School-aged children have shown to be the group most susceptible to Pediculus capitis infestation, possibly due to their habits and behaviors. The purpose of the study was to verify the prevalence of head pediculosis in preschool children from Uberlândia, MG, and factors associated with infestation. The children's parents or guardians were also evaluated regarding socioeconomic status, knowledge of symptomatology and control of this ectoparasitosis. Data were obtained by direct examination of each child's head and a questionnaire answered by parents/guardians. The overall prevalence rate was 7.5% among the 372 children examined, and 4 to 5-year-old girls with long hair presented significantly higher prevalence rates. Information from the questionnaires indicated that 45% of the children had already been infested at least once and the main symptom mentioned was intense itching on the scalp. Those responsible mostly used natural control measures to control infestations. The results indicated that children under the age of six should also be included in head pediculosis control programs.

Head lice infestation is a public health problem, which, though more prevalent in children, may occur in all age groups. From July 2009 to February 2010 a total of 976 children aged 0-12 years who attended four schools and three day-care centers in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, were screened for the presence of head lice. The prevalence rate was 18.5%, with black (X 2 0.05 (1) = 4.655) female children (X 2 0.05(1) = 151.324) with dark hair (X 2 0.05(1) = 9.942) showing the highest prevalence rates. The type (X 2 0.05 (2) = 6.660) and length of hair (X 2 0.05 (2) = 58.042) also significantly influenced the prevalence of this ectoparasitosis. The age group most affected was the 10-12 year-old (X 2 0.05 (3) = 59.891). Questionnaire answers revealed that intense itching of the head was the most frequently observed symptom by the parents/guardians of affected children and that manual scavenging and pesticides are the main methods of controlling lice. Parents/guardians suggest the indicated educational institutions as the main sources of infestations. The results indicate the need to implement an integrated program to control this ectoparasitosis in the majority of the institutions surveyed.

A pediculose do couro cabeludo é um problema de saúde pública não somente no Brasil, mas também em vários países do mundo. Crianças em idade escolar têm demonstrado ser o grupo mais susceptível à infestação por seus hábitos e comportamentos. Estudos recentes encontraram baixas taxas de ocorrência em crianças e jovens de creches e escolas de Manaus-AM. Foram objetivos deste estudo verificar a prevalência da pediculose do couro cabeludo em crianças e jovens atendidos em abrigos/orfanatos e no setor de pediatria de um ambulatório público na cidade de Manaus e também analisar possíveis associações com idade, sexo, etnia e tamanho dos cabelos dos parasitados. O diagnóstico da parasitose foi feito com base no exame direto das cabeças das crianças e jovens e, em seguida, foi preenchida uma ficha com informações sobre cada um dos 437 indivíduos examinados. Observou-se uma prevalência total de 44,8%. Houve maior ocorrência em indivíduos do sexo feminino (57,7%) e nas faixas etárias acima de 5 anos de idade. Indivíduos com cabelos longos exibiram a maior prevalência (62,3%). Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho mostram a necessidade de investigação desta ectoparasitose em grupos que apresentem características epidemiológicas como as descritas aqui e outras que os predisponham a esta e outras ectoparasitoses, mesmo em áreas/cidades onde esta dermatite parasitária apresente baixas taxas de ocorrência na população.

The purpose of this study was to verify the occurrence of head lice in children at a public hospital in Uberlândia, MG and factors associated with pediculosis such as sex, age, hair characteristics and socioeconomic conditions, as well as obtaining information from their parents/guardians regarding the epidemiology, its transmission, prevention and control. To obtain the data, direct hair inspection and a characterization sheet and questionnaire were utilized. An occurrence rate of 6.1 % was found in 230 children examined in a public hospital, 111 females and 119 males with the highest rates observed in female children aged 4-8 with medium to long hair. Income, level of education, hair washing, hair type, color and thickness did not seem to influence the distribution of pediculosis in the children seen in the hospital in Uberlândia. The questionnaire answered by parents/guardians indicated that the children had had at least one infestation in their lifetime. The use of fine comb and pesticides were the most usual control methods adopted. The most frequent symptom was severe itching on the scalp. Although the occurrence of head pediculosis is declining, it is still a prevalent public health problem in the child population of Uberlândia, MG. Pediculosis may be associated with sex, age and hair characteristics. Variations in the degree of these influencing factors depend on the profile of the population studied. Additional studies are required in population groups over time, particularly in those that are inadequately assisted or lack state education and health assistance.KEY WORDS: Pediculosis; ocurrence; Minas Gerais; Brazil.

Pediculosis capitis is a public health problem not only in Brazil, but also in many countries worldwide. Children are the most likely population group to be infested. The purpose of this study was to verify the prevalence of head lice in children seen at the public hospital in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State, and factors associated with ectoparasitosis in this group. In addition, data about the transmission, prevention and control were obtained from the children’s parents or guardians. The scalp and hair of every child aged 2 to 12, attended to at the hospital pediatric outpatient clinic from 2015 to 2017, were examined. Questionnaires and characterization sheets were also used to obtain and record the information. The overall prevalence rate observed was 2.8%. The highest prevalence rates were observed in girls with medium length hair. Children presented a relatively low prevalence of head lice in the parasitological examinations. However, the answers to the questionnaires indicated that this ectoparasitosis is common in this population group. All the children examined were of school age, and their parents or guardians indicated the school environment as the main source of infestations. The responses to the questionnaires also highlighted evidence of negligence on the part of guardians of positive children regarding the occurrence of this ectoparasitosis. The information obtained indicates that authorities should design/improve their plans of action regarding guidelines for parents or guardians for adequate prevention and control of this ectoparasitosis.