Pediculosis Prevention and Control Strategies of Community Health and School Nurses: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Pediculus humanus capitis (pediculosis capitis) affects several million school children in the United States every year and is more prevalent among children than all other childhood communicable diseases combined. Traditional treatment of pediculosis involves the direct application of pesticides to the scalp of infested individuals. Yet, a single-treatment, 100% ovicidal pediculicide has not been developed. Head lice can be easily detected by an educated screener. The National Pediculosis Association (NPA) recommends regular screenings to control lice outbreaks in school settings. Screening is utilized as a prevention strategy to facilitate early detection and minimize exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. Nurses working with children in the country's schools are in key positions to develop, initiate, and incorporate prevention and control strategies into their child healthcare agenda. An NPA national survey identified specific lice management strategies used by community health nurses (CHNs) and school nurses working in school systems. The purpose of this article is to report the prevention and control strategies used by the nurses. Results of this national survey indicated significant variation in management strategies. A national standardized approach toward prevention and control is not being utilized.

Head Lice

“…7 The results of several descriptive studies have suggested that education of parents in diagnosing and managing head lice may be helpful. [86][87][88][89] Because of the lack of evidence of efficacy, routine classroom or school-wide screening should be discouraged.…”

“…School screenings do not take the place of these more careful parental checks. 18,[89][90][91] It may be helpful for the school nurse or other trained person to check a student's head if he or she is demonstrating symptoms.…”

Fomite transmission in head lice

“…5 In that vein, 95% of school nurses suggest vacuuming of floors and furniture to prevent reinfestation. 6 The disagreement regarding the role of fomite transmission has previously been controversial because there has been little experimental work on this question, and there are no clinical studies that have been specifically designated to test this hypothesis. However, there is now adequate, quantitated in vitro research to quell any naysayer.…”

Head Lice

“…79 The results of several descriptive studies have suggested that education of parents in diagnosing and managing head lice may be helpful. [80][81][82][83] Parents can be encouraged to check their children's heads for lice regularly and if the child is symptomatic. School screenings do not take the place of these more careful parental checks.…”