The Epidemiology of Pediculus Is Humanus Capitis Infestation and Effective Factors in Elementary Schools of Qom Province Girls 2010, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Nowadays pediculusis (Head-louse infestation) is one of the dermal infections with a Global distribution, and is prevalent worldwide. Head-louse infestation is highly common in collective centers such as schools, garrisons and champuses; in schools, specially in feminine elementary schools which is dramatically high. The current study has been conducted to determine the prevalence of Head-louse and to assess the epidemiologic features of the disease. Methods: This descriptive cross–sectional study was done over 1725 feminine elementary students from 75 schools in rural counties and total urban districts of Qom province by a multi stage random sampling. Data collection was done by questionnaires and physical exams of the hair. Analysis was done by Chi-square and Multivariate logistic regression model test. (Significant level with p<0.05 objected). Results: 131 of 1725 survived students, were infected by pediculusis. (7.6%). The statistical meaningful relation was observed between the habitat, father's job and literacy, mothers literacy, family size, students grade, bath in home, bath times, daily comb, record of infestation in years ago, hygiene corrector in school, access or no access to primary health care and pediculusis (p<0.05 objected). But no meaningful relation was detected between mother's job, head hairs length, type of school, residing status (private, rental and other site) and the prevalence of Pediculusis . Conclusion: Pediculusis is still a health burden in societies with low health and life standards. The high prevalence of pediculusis among students in the majority of schools in Qom province is attributable to inadequate access to health educator and sanitation facilities and inattention to personal health and related factors else.

Keywords

• prevalence
• pediculus
• epidemiology
• logistic models.