[ rate of pediculosis capitis in students participating in summer camps in different provinces of Iran]

ABSTRACT

To determine the rate of Pediculosis Capitis among Iranian students participating in bonyad-e-mostazafan summer camps. This is a cross-sectional study of Perdiculosis Capitis rate among 13206 students from different provinces of Iran in 1384 [2005]. The students were examined immediately after arrival the camps. Examination was then carried out by general practitionnaires through direct observation of the hair. The hair and scalp were examined for Pediculosis Capitis by hand separation of the hair every 1-2 cm. the presence of either live or head eggs, or nits, was considered infestation with Pediculosis Capitis. The data analysis was done by SPSS soft ware and chi square. The total number of children from 21 provinces of Iran was 13, 206. Of all these subjects, 758 [5.7%] were infested by Pediculosis Capitis. 3 [0.1%] of the infested cases were boys and 755 [9.9%] were girls. The results showed a significant sex difference in infested cases [P = 0/000]. The most prevalence was seen in Sistan and Baluchestan [11.1%]. Hormozgan [10.6%]. and Ardebil [7.1%]. Also according the results, the education level of the mother, was found to be associated with the rate of infestation [P = 0.039]. Father education level had no meaningful association. Pediculosis Capitis infestation is a disease of adolescence with a higher prevalence in girls. This skin parasite has a wide distribution all over the country and a significant association with sex and maternal education