Problem of pediculosis in public schools of different municipalities of the state of Alagoas: a view of managers

Abstract

The ectoparasiticPediculosis is a disease frequently found in a school environment, of great importance to public health caused by Pediculuscapitis.This ectoparasite, popularly known as louse, reaches 15 to 20% of children every year worldwide, and the itching that causes the scalp, can open gateways to opportunistic infections, causing impetigo (head injuries). The parasitism by the louse may be associated with impaired school performance, mainly due to decreased self-esteem, which can interfere with daily activities ofstudents. This study aimed to verify the presence of pediculosis problematic scalp in urban schools public network of cities: Branquinha, Murici, São José da Laje and União dos Palmares, in order to draw an initial diagnosis, through a questionnaire directed to managers of 26 schools belonging to these cities. In 50% of schools had an indication of the presence of the problem,the other 50% managers said they did not exist or have no knowledge of the presence of parasitic skin disease. The data allowed to identify the period after the rains, with high temperatures and humid and after school holidays (February and August) is themost frequent of pediculosis in school, according to the managers. Through this initial diagnosis can plan outreach strategies in health education and studies for the control of this ectoparasite in schools where it is often found.

Keywords

• pediculus capitis
• school community
• pediculosis