Prevalence of Head Lice in Two Socio-economically Different Schools in the Center of Izmir City, Turkey

Abstract

Objective: The well-known and common infestation caused by Pediculus humanus capitis is an important public health and a social issue in many communities in the world. The aim of this study was to compare the head louse infestation rate in two schools having pupils from different socio-economic levels in the city center of Izmir. Methods: The pupils aged between 6 and 11 years, were screened for the presence of eggs and nymph/adult lice using a fine-tooth head louse comb. Results: A total of 88 and 126 pupils from the schools with low and medium socio-economic level were screened and 24 (27.2%) and 5 (3.96%) of them were found to be positive for head lice, respectively. Overall, the infestation rate among girls was 3.14 times higher than in boys. Conclusion: Head louse infestation is a significant public health problem among primary schools. Increasing the knowledge about pediculosis and self-hygiene would be helpful in successfully reducing head louse infestation in the school setting. School authorities must encourage the parents to look for head lice routinely and a "school nurse" system is needed for effective head louse control in the schools. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2014; 38: 32-6) Key Words: Pediculus capitis, socioeconomic level, Turkey Received: 18.11.2013Accepted: 25.12.2013 ÖZET Amaç: Pediculus humanus capitis kaynaklı enfestasyonlar dünya çapında yaygın olan ciddi bir halk sağlığı sorundur. Bu çalışmanın amacı İzmir de farklı sosyo-ekonomik düzeyde olan iki okulda, öğrencilerin baş biti enfestasyon oranlarını belirlemektir. Yöntemler: 6 ve 11 yaş arası öğrenciler ince dişli bit tarakları kullanılarak baş bitinin (yumurta ve nimf/ergin) bulunması açısından incelenmiştir. Bulgular: Sosyo-ekonomik durumu düşük ve orta düzeyde olan okullardan toplamda 88 ve 127 öğrenci taranmıştır. Düşük seviyedeki okulda baş biti enfestasyon oranı 24 (%27,2) ve orta düzeydeki okulda 5 (%3,96) olduğu gözlenmiştir. Genel olarak kızlar arasındaki enfestasyon oranının, erkeklere oranla 3,14 kat daha fazla olduğu saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Baş biti enfestasyonu ilköğretim okulları arasında gözlenen cidi bir halk sağlığı sorunudur. Pedikulosis ve kişisel hijyen konusunda bilincin artması okullarda bit enfestasyonunun azaltılmasında etkili olacaktır. Okul yönetiminin aileleri öğrencilerin saçlarını düzenli olarak kontrol etmesi konusunda teşvik etmesi ve okullara "Okul Hemşiresi" sisteminin getirilmesi baş biti kontrolünde etkili olacaktır.

The prevalence of infection with head lice pediculus humanus capitis among elementary girl students in Albaha region-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…It was also reported to be 13% in Australia and 40% in Taiwan. [22][23][24][25] The prevalence rate of head louse infestation in the present study is similar to that found in Taiwan and India but different and higher than results recorded in the Middle East and other countries worldwide. This increase in prevalence has come to the notice of education and health officials over the past several years and has become an alarming phenomenon in Albaha region.…”

Prevalence of Head Lice Infestation and Its Associated Factors among Primary School Students in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…According to Table 4 , 14 studies showed the prevalence of infestation from 4.1% in the Oh et al [59] study in Korea to 40.3% in the Gazmuri et al [50] study in Chile. Infestation rates in Chile [50] , Egypt [51] , Turkey 1 , 52 , 53 , 55 , Thailand [56] , Jordan [57] , Argentina [60] , Malaysia [61] , and Mexico [62] were more than that in Iran. While, the prevalence of infestation was lower in Korea [59] , Australia [58] , and another Turkish study [54] in comparison with the prevalence in Iran.…”

“…Public health is a main factor of development in each community [1] . Despite the promotions in health and medical education, external parasitic infestation is a threat for community health development which is still considered as a public health concern [2] .…”

Assessment of the Prevalence of Pediculosis capitis among Primary School Girls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“…Head lice (pediculosis capitis) infestation is public health problem even in well developed countries (Karakus et al, 2014). A total of 590 students were examined for present of head lice and overall infestation rate in the present study was 12.2% (72/590), which is similar that reported in Jazan Province (13.3%) by Bosely and El-Alfy (2011), but it is higher than that recorded in Eastern of Saudi Arabia (5.2%) by Al-Saeed et al (2006).…”