Investigation of Factors Affecting Head Lice (Pediculus Humanus Capitis) Infestation Prevalence and Evaluation of Permethrin 1% and Dimethicone 4% for Its Treatment in Primary Girl Students in Doroud County

Head lice is a worldwide parasitic disease that can be considered a threat to public health. The majority of its prevalence is among children aged from 6 to 11 years. Due to students’ low attention to personal hygiene tips, and presence in populated places such as schools, they are more prone to head lice infestation; thus, studying this disease among students is a hygienic priority. The current study was undertaken among primary girl students in Doroud County with the aim to determine the prevalence of head lice infestation and its relations with epidemiologic factors and to evaluate the treatment efficay of permethrin shampoo 1% and dimethicone.

The present study was performed in two phases: observational (cross-sectional) and interventional (clinical trial). Five schools were selected from five geographical areas for sampling. Other information was collected from student records or by direct inquiry. Eighty girls infested were randomly allocated in two groups and received either one of the mentioned treatments. The results of the interventions were evaluated on days 7 and 14.

The prevalence of head lice infestation was10.3%. The most involved group (40 %) were students of third grade. The father’s education and shower times per week showed significant effects among epidemiologic factors (p value = 0.05). The outcome of treatment in the first week did not show a significant difference between the groups. Treatment with dimethicone lotion in the second week (p value = 0.025) and in general during two weeks (p value = 0.006) was more effective in removing the head lice than permethrin shampoo.

Head pediculosis is more prevalent among girl students whose fathers are less educated and take less showers in a week. Thus it is crucial to deal with head lice by social health education among families. In addition, dimethicone lotion is more effective than permethrin shampoo in eradicating this external parasite.