Prevalence and Alternative Treatment of Head-Lice Infestation in Rural Thailand: A Community-Based Study
The Korean Journal of Parasitology
;
: 499-504, 2019.
Artículo
en Inglés
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-761776
ABSTRACT
Head-lice infestation, pediculosis capitis, remains a public-health burden in many countries. The widely used first-line pediculicides and alternative treatments are often too costly for use in poor socio-economic settings. Ivermectin has been considered an alternate treatment for field practice. This study was composed of 2 parts, a cross-sectional survey and an intervention study. The main objectives were to determine the prevalence and potential factors associated with head-lice infestation, and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral ivermectin administration. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 890 villagers in rural areas along Thai-Myanmar border. Females with infestations were eligible for the intervention study, and 181 participated in the intervention study. A post-treatment survey was conducted to assess acceptance of ivermectin as a treatment choice. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and a generalized-estimation-equation model adjusted for cluster effect. The study revealed the prevalence of head-lice infestation was 50% among females and only 3% among males. Age stratification showed a high prevalence among females aged <20 years, and among 50% of female school-children. The prevalence was persistent among those with a history of infestation. The major risk factors were residing in a setting with other infected cases, and sharing a hair comb. The study also confirmed that ivermectin was safe and effective for field-based practice. It was considered a preferable treatment option. In conclusion, behavior-change communication should be implemented to reduce the observed high prevalence of head-lice infestation. Ivermectin may be an alternative choice for head-lice treatment, especially in remote areas.
Texto completo:
Disponible
Índice:
WPRIM (Pacífico Occidental)
Asunto principal:
Infestaciones por Piojos
/
Pediculus
/
Tailandia
/
Ivermectina
/
Salud Rural
/
Prevalencia
/
Estudios Transversales
/
Factores de Riesgo
/
Estadística como Asunto
/
Cresta y Barbas
Tipo de estudio:
Estudio de etiología
/
Estudio observacional
/
Estudio de prevalencia
/
Estudio pronóstico
/
Factores de riesgo
Límite:
Animales
/
Femenino
/
Humanos
/
Masculino
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
Inglés
Revista:
The Korean Journal of Parasitology
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Artículo
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