Study of Pediculus capitis prevalence in primary school children and its preventive behaviors determinants based on Health Belief Model in Their Mothers in Hashtgerd, 2012

Head lice infection is a global health problem with a long history that led to physical, psychological and social complications which is most common between the ages of 6-11years. Regarding lack of studies in the area this study was performed to determine the prevalence of Pediculus capitis in primary school children and its preventive behaviors determinants based on Health Belief Model in Their Mothers in Hashtgerd, 2012.
The analytical cross-sectional study carried out on 372 primary school students and their mothers in Hashtgerd. Data was collected by examining the student's heads and a questionnaire which was completed by their mothers and was analyzed by SPSS-18, using Indices of central tendency and dispersion, independent t-test, Pearson correlation ratio, linear regression, and ANOVA.
The prevalence of Pediculus capitis was 6.4 percent. Prevalence of head lice was significantly higher in girl students (8.6%) versus boys (0.5%) (P Regarding meaningful prevalence of Pediculus capitis especially among female students, HBM-based educational programs is recommended to enhance preventive behaviors of head lice in students, parents, and school staff with an emphasize on mothers self- efficacy and also necessity of mothers cooperation with health care providers to prevent lice.