Prevalence of pediculosis capitis and associated factors among schoolchildren in Woreta town, northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the associated risk factors and prevalence of pediculosis capitis among school-aged children in Woreta town, northwest Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 402 schoolchildren in Woreta town public schools from grades 1 to 4 students conducted from April to June 2018. After selection by simple random sampling, face to face interview and observations were performed using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI Info 7 and exported to SPSS 21 for further analysis. Descriptive results were presented by simple frequency, percentage, and mean. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Those variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were declared as significantly associated with pediculosis capitis infestation. Result The prevalence of pediculosis capitis was 65.7% [95% CI 60.01–70.3%]. Sex of child, age of the child, maternal education, sharing hair comb, knowledge, and attitude towards pediculosis capitis infestation and hygiene practice were significantly associated with pediculosis (a p-value ≤ 0.05). Pediculosis infestation is found to be a major public health problem which demands special attention of the community and the government at large particularly the health sector to reduce the problem.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Pediculus Capitis Prevention and Control and Their Predictors among Schoolchildren in Woreta Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…In the current manuscript, we have assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pediculus capitis prevention and control and their associated factors. Knowledge was a significant predictor of infestation status in previous studies [19,29,32]. This may be due to the lack of knowledge that can result in insufficient capacity to handle lice infestation.…”

“…During the study period, there were three primary schools in the town with a total of 3239 students. The prevalence of pediculus capitis during the study period was 65.7% (95% CI 60.01-70.3%) [29]. Figure 1: Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards Pediculus capitis prevention and control among schoolchildren Woreta, 2018 (n = 402).…”

“…Detailed explanation and reliability of the method for data collection based on the pretest results are discussed elsewhere [29].…”

“…Children were asked five specific questions regarding the prevention behavior of pediculus capitis. Those children who scored mean and above of the questions were considered good practice[29].…”

Effect of Training Programs on the Promotion of Pediculosis Preventive Behaviors in Mothers

“…According to extensive studies, we are witnessing an increase in the prevalence of head lice in different parts of the world and Iran in recent years. It has imposed heavy financial burdens upon the health care system (9,10). Studies conducted abroad have reported the prevalence of head lice infestation in primary school students as variable, with the prevalence reported to be between 40-60% (11)(12)(13).…”