Head Lice Infestation in Schoolchildren, in Poland—Is There a Chance for Change?

Abstract

Pediculosis capitis is a current and neglected health issue worldwide. The lack of screening programs contributes to the marginalization of the problem and delays therapeutic measures. Our study aimed to analyze the occurrence of this parasitosis in primary schools in Poland and to determine factors contributing to the persistence of its foci. The research tools were two questionnaires: one for primary school children and the other for school managers. While children answered questions about the epidemiology of pediculosis capitis and expressed their opinion on the hygienic condition of infested persons, the school directors were asked about the occurrence of head lice in schools, preventive measures, and institutions supporting schools in combating the infestation. The survey covered the period 2014–2018. Pediculosis capitis was reported in 87.5% of the schools. The greatest number of cases was reported in the group of 6–9 year-olds (68%). Among 4970 children, 16.7% had no knowledge of head lice; however, 57.1% wanted to increase their awareness of the problem. Campaigns on lice were conducted mainly as a result of emerging pediculosis capitis cases, and most schools could not rely on institutional support. Screening programs and preventive educational campaigns should be part of pediculosis capitis control in Poland.

Factors Affecting Pediculosis capitis Transmission among Primary School Children

“…Our analysis has shown that pediculosis capitis is more frequent in schools with greater numbers of children. This was similar to a study conducted in Poland [27]. There was no effect of fathers' occupation in having Pediculosis capitis (p=0.419).…”

Current challenges in diagnosing and treating infectious skin diseases – a case series

“…In a study by Bartosik et al analyzing the prevalence of this disease among school children from 2014-2018, head lice cases were found in the majority (87.5%) of the 168 schools surveyed. Head lice were more common in schools with a larger number of students (28).…”

“…Such practice suppresses the local immune response, allowing fungi to survive and leading to atypical manifestations of the disease (32). The clinical picture jedynie 5% dzieci uznało, że przyznałoby się rówieśnikom do infekcji (28). W badaniu Kartashova i wsp.…”

“…In a study conducted in Brazil, only 32.9% of respondents knew how lice were transmitted, and only 20.7% perceived head lice as a disease (32). In observations by Polish researchers, 26.6% of children associated head lice with a lack of hygiene, leading to stigmatization -only 5% of children admitted they would tell their peers about an infection (28). In a study by Kartashova et al, as many as 86.5% of people who had head lice admitted they experienced negative emotions, including shame (33).…”

“…analizującym rozpowszechnienie tej choroby u dzieci szkolnych w latach 2014-2018 odnotowano obecność przypadków wszawicy w większości (87,5%) ze 168 szkół. Wszawica występowała częściej w szkołach o większej liczbie uczniów (28).…”