Prevalence of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation among schools workers in the Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In a cross-sectional survey in February-May 2019, the prevalence of Pediculosis capitis with demographic data and the behavioral practices were investigated among 750 participants in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Female participation was highly remarked with a percentage of 94.08% compared to that of male one about 5.91%. A deficiency of knowledge about lice infestation was noted especially among illiterate participants raised from their socio-economic levels ( p -value = 0.001). Lice infestation reached higher rates in children aged less than 20 years with itching of the hair scalp. The obtained results revealed that 59.33% of the respondents believed that frequency of personal hygiene and washing of hair were the best methods for preventing the lice infestation. However, the treatment of lice infestation using anti-lice agents ( p -value = 0.020) was preferred by 14.26% of participants. Although knowledge about the preventive tools for lice infestation ( p -value 0.089) was not significantly associated with the experience of infestation but knowledge about the appropriate treatment to kill lice ( p -value 0.020) and the wrong practices in the treatment of a head lice infestation were ( p -value 0.005) significantly associated with the experience of infestation. Health programs and campaigns preventions are highly advised to increase the awareness of Pediculosis capitis with an effective strategic plan to control, manage, and prevent this disease.

10-year-old case report of pediculosis with severe anaemia

“…Almost all the reported cases were of female patients, and original articles revealed that a significantly higher proportion of females than males demonstrated head lice infestations. 3 However, Hau and Muhi-Iddin reported the case of an 11-year-old male, with a haemoglobin level of 2.1 g/dl, who was suffering from a severe head lice infestation. 17 Fustino et al reported severe head lice infestation in a 12-year-old female with a haemoglobin level of 4.7 g/dl.…”

“…According to the study, female school workers constituted a significantly higher proportion of those infested with head lice than male school workers. 3 Head lice are typically transmitted through head-to-head contact, but they can also be transmitted through fomites. 4 They feed on human blood, but, in some cases, the parasite burden is high enough to cause iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).…”

Pediculus Capitis :An overview

“…Promoting excellent personal hygiene practices, such as frequent hair and body washing, can aid in preventing head lice infestations. Sharing personal things like combs, brushes, caps, and towels can further increase the likelihood of infection [2].…”

“…These tiny, wingless insects feed only on human blood and are spread by direct physical contact or the sharing of personal items such as hats, combs, and hairbrushes. The major species that infests the human scalp is Pediculus humanus capitis, often known as the head louse [2].…”

Hubungan pengetahuan dan personal hygiene dengan kejadian pediculosis capitis pada anak SD Mutihan di Banguntapan, Bantul

“…Hasil penelitian sebelumnya di dua sekolah menyatakan bahwa responden percaya bahwa frekuensi kebersihan pribadi dan mencuci rambut adalah metode terbaik untuk mencegah infestasi kutu [23]. Sebaliknya, hasil penelitian sitempat lain menyatakan tidak ada hubungan antara personal hygiene dan infestasi Pediculus humanus var.…”