Assessing Pediculosis infection and cofactors among 8-10-year-old Female students in Bushehr province, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Lice are widespread at a global scale and afflict all socioeconomic classes. Despite advanced healthcare, head lice are particularly prevalent among elementary school female students. Thus, the present research aims to explore pediculosis infection and its cofactors among 8-10-year-old female students in Jam County, Bushehr province, Iran, in 2019. Methodology: The present descriptive research was analytical in type. The research population comprised female elementary school students in Jam County, selected through multi-stage randomization. The final sample selected consisted of 854 participants. The data collection instruments were a questionnaire and an optic test of all students at school. SPSS 22 was used to statistically analyze the data via Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The significance level was set at <0.05. Findings: The mean age of the participating students was 9.5 years. The prevalence of head lice among this sample was 15.4% and was higher in urban areas than the rural. Statistically significant correlations were found between lice infection and variables including father’s occupation and education, mother’s occupation and education and having a bathroom at home (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of lice in the present research showed to be higher that a body of related literature. Thus, it is essential to make preventive interventions to diagnose, treat and control pediculosis and consider the infection-related cofactors of lice infection in healthcare centers.

Explaining the Determinants of Pediculosis Control and Prevention: A Qualitative Study in Southern Iran

“…The high incidence of infestation might be attributed to people’s economic conditions and standard of living. 30 , 34 The affluence of a household has a substantial influence on the prevalence of numerous illnesses, including pediculosis. 35 The larger the family, the worse the family’s sanitary and medical conditions.…”

“…This observation was consistent with a number of previous findings. 30 , 39 In contrast, mothers mentioned shame as a reason for not seeking information and monitoring their children’s treatments at schools and health centers. Therefore, the relationship between mothers and schools has deteriorated.…”

“…29 According to WHO reports, despite better health standards, medical science advancements, efforts, and expenditures, lice infestation has not been reduced and continues to be a public health issue. 30 As a result, the current study was conducted in order to determine the causes and controlling factors of pediculosis as well as to identify affected people's knowledge, perspectives, experiences, feelings, and perceptions. Furthermore, the majority of contemporary pediculosis research has used quantitative, epidemiologic, clinical, and descriptive approaches, with few qualitative studies on the reasons for pediculosis control.…”

“… 29 According to WHO reports, despite better health standards, medical science advancements, efforts, and expenditures, lice infestation has not been reduced and continues to be a public health issue. 30 …”