prevalence of pediculosis capitis in primary school children in Assuit governorate [a socioeconomic study]

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in 2005 to determine the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and some risk factors among primary - school pupils in Assuit .We selected 1200 pupils [53% girls] from primary schools by random sampling. Their hair was examined for head rate of infestation 45 [3.8%] were infected with lice, 43 [95.5%] girls and 2 [4.5%] boys. The highest louse of infestation was in 9 - years olds. There was a significant relationship between head louse infestation and sex [P < 0.0001], age [P<0.05], parents education [P<0.0001], father's job [P< 0.01], family size [P< 0.01], length of hair [P< 0.0001] and having separate bathing facilities in the house [P< 0.0001]