Evaluation of a health education program for head lice infestation in female primary school students in Chabahar city, Iran

An important health problem in students is pediculosis capitis [head lice infestation] which causes physical, mental, and social complications. Social stigma induces feeling of shame, anger, and embarrassment for families and may prevent people from coming forward. This study was a quasi-experimental [case - control] study which was done during periods of 2008 - 2009. Data collection tools were questionnaire, checklist, and head examination. Two schools were randomly selected among female primary schools in Chabahar, where 153 students were divided into case and control groups. After collecting the data, an educational program was designed and performed in the experimental group and was evaluated after two months. The results showed a significant difference in knowledge, attitude, and practice of the students in the case group, before and after the intervention [P < 0.0001], but in the control group it was not significant [P > 0.05] .The infestation rate was 69.3% in the case group before the intervention, and 82.1% in the control group, which decreased to 26.7% in the case group after the education [P < 0.0001], but there was no significant difference in the control group [P < 0.05]. The health education program had a positive effect on the reduction of pediculosis capitis among students; thus, it is suggested to perform and evaluate educational programs in students and their parents

Prevalence of pediculosis capitis in children from a rural school in Yucatan, Mexico / Prevalência de pediculose em crianças de escola rural em Yucatan, Mexico

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with active head lice infestation. In total 140 children, aged 6 to 16-years, from a public school in rural Yucatan, Mexico, were examined by wet-combing. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on individuals and the conditions in the surrounding environment. Head lice infestation was found in 19 out of the 140 children tested (13.6 percent) and this was associated with both lower income (OR 9.9, 95 percent CI 2.15-45.79, p = 0.003) and a higher frequency of hair washing (OR 8, 95 percent CI 1.58-50, p = 0.012). Intersectoral control programs that take into account the socioeconomic differences of children should be implemented.

Foi conduzido um estudo numa escola publica de área rural em Yucatan, Mexico com o objetivo de estimar a prevalência de pediculose e fatores de risco associados. Das 140 crianças incluídas 19 (13.6 por cento) apresentaram pediculose. A infestação de piolho foi associada com baixa renda (OR 9.9, 95 por cento CI 2.15-45.79, p = 0.003) e maior frequência de lavagem de cabelos (OR 8, 95 por cento CI 1.58-50, p = 0.012). Programas intersetoriais de controle da pediculose que levam em conta as características socioeconômicas das crianças deveriam ser executados.

prevalence of Pediculus capitis among school children in Fars province, southern Iran

Pediculus capitis or head louse infestation affects millions of children worldwide, especially those in the 5-11 years age group. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of head pediculosis among school children in urban and rural areas of Fars Province, southern Iran. All school children of age 6-11 yr from both genders in all urban and rural areas of the province were screened for head louse infestation by examination of their hair and scalps. Parents of all infested children were also examined. The study was repeated in different seasons in the same areas. Moreover, infested children were treated with 5% permethrin shampoo and re-examined one week later for any relapse. The general prevalence of head louse infestation in primary school students was 0.49% in autumn, 0.37% in winter and 0.20% in spring. In the mentioned seasons, the prevalence of P. capitis was higher among females and in rural areas [P=0.001]. Although treatment with permethrin shampoo failed in females, it was successful in all infected males from both regions in autumn and spring and in males from urban areas in winter. Head louse infestation is uncommon among Fars Province school children in rural and urban areas and should not be considered a public health priority. However, due to the higher prevalence of pediculosis in low socioeconomic group and rural area in our region, it seems that health promotion, particularly early detection and effective management strategies should target this group in the province

An outbreak of scalp white piedra in a Brazilian children day care / Surto de piedra branca afetando os cabelos do couro cabeludo de crianças em creche brasileira

White piedra is a superficial mycosis caused by Trichosporon spp. that affects the hair shaft of any part of the body. It is presented an outbreak of scalp white piedra seen in 5.8 percent of the children frequenting a day care in Northeastern of São Paulo State, Brazil. Mycological exam and culture identified T. cutaneum in all five cases, and scanning electron microscopy of nodules around hair shaft infected by Trichosporon spp. is demonstrated comparing them with those of black piedra and with nits of Pediculous capitis.

Piedra branca caracteriza-se por ser micose superficial, causada por Trichosporon spp., que compromete a haste dos pelos de qualquer região do corpo. Um surto de piedra branca, afetando os cabelos do couro cabeludo, foi registrado em 5,8 por cento das crianças que freqüentavam uma creche na região nordeste do estado de São Paulo. Exame micológico direto e cultura identificaram T. cutaneum nas cinco crianças afetadas. Enfatiza-se a utilização da microscopia eletrônica de varredura, que mostrou nódulos circundando a haste dos cabelos infectada por Trichosporon spp., comparando-os com nódulos de Piedra nigra e com lêndeas de Pediculus capitis.

Prevalence and monthly distribution of head lice using two diagnostic procedures in several age groups in Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil

Some epidemiological characteristics of head lice, Pediculus capitis, were studied using two procedures: cut hair analysis and head inspection. Higher prevalence rates were observed in the middle and at the end of the school terms. Both procedures indicated that children were the main reservoir for this type of pediculosis in Uberlândia.

Alguns aspectos da epidemiologia do piolho da cabeça, Pediculus capitis, foram estudados usando dois procedimentos: análise de cabelos cortados e inspeção das cabeças. As mais altas prevalências foram observadas no meio e no final dos semestres escolares. Ambos os procedimentos apontaram as crianças como o principal reservatório desta pediculose em Uberlândia.

A study of pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Delhi.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school children of four of the government run schools of Delhi during July-October 2001. Out of a total of 940 study subjects studied 156 (16.59%) were found to be infested with head louse. Significantly higher proportions of girls (20.42%) were found to be infested as compared to boys (13.86%). 65.38% of those infested were aware of the infestation. Those who shared both bedding and comb showed a statistically higher significance as compare to others. Manual removal of head louse and nits was practiced by 69.60% of those aware of the infestation. Majority had knowledge of transmission of head louse by comb/brush, 66.08% had knowledge about control of head louse infestation spread by manual removal 7.34% mentioned other means like kerosene oil and lime powder. Since head louse infestation is a common problem of school going children both parents and teachers along with the students should be taught how to recognize the infestation. Also school health teams should be responsible for treatment and prevention of louse infestation besides carrying our other school health service functions.