The Prevalence of pediculosis capitis in school students in Birjand

Pediculosis capitis, or head lice infestation, caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, is a worldwide public health concern that is particularly seen among primary school children. Pediculosis capitis is still a problem in different environments, in the US, where pediculosis capitis is the most prevalent parasitic infestation of children, 6 to 12 million people are affected every year. Head infestation affects not only the people of poor countries, but also in developed countries. Head lice infestation is reported at different prevalence in all provinces of our country. Therefore this survey was done to determine the prevalence of head lice infestation in Birjand in 2001 and to help the control of the disease in this area in east of Iran

This cross-sectional study was carried out in winter of 2001 to determine the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and some risk factors among school pupils of north and south geographic areas in Birjand. We selected 3046 pupils from schools by multistage, systematic random cluster sampling. Their hair, hat, scarf was examined for head louse or nit infestation. Demographic information questionnaire was filled out for positive cases and the results were analyzed by SPSS software.

Ninety one students (3%) were infected with head lice, 75 (82.4%) girls and 19 (17.6%) boys. 55 (%60.4) of infested students were in primary schools and 36 (%39.6) of them were in higher stages. The results showed significant variations in head lice infestation, and factors such as sex, level of education and north and south geographic areas (P<0.0001).

Higher prevalence of pediculosis is seen in low socioeconomic groups, female and primary school children in our region. It seems that health promotion, increase economic conditions and level of social education can lead to a reduction of head lice infestation rate in this group.