The prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis in two primary schools of Hacılar, Kayseri.
OBJECTIVE
Pediculosis capitis is a worldwide public health concern, and today, head lice are seen in all socio-economic levels. The infestation usually occurs by head-to-head contact and children, primarily girls, aged 3-12 years are mostly affected. In the present study a total of 405 pupils (214 boys and 191 girls) from two pre- and primary schools in the Kayseri-Hacılar region were examined for pediculosis capitis during March 2010.


METHODS
Lice and/or eggs were detected by visual examination of the children's hair.


RESULTS
Out of 405 children, 44 (10.9%) were infested with head lice. There were significant differences between the schools and the gender while no significant differences could be found between infestation and child's age, education of the parents, income of the family, housing type, source of water, and the presence or absence of a bathroom.


CONCLUSIONS
Head lice remain a public health problem and more emphasis should be given to the education of parents regarding their biology and control.
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
Ülfet
Ü
Çetinkaya
Berna
B
Hamamcı
Safiye
S
Delice
Barış Derya
BD
Ercal
Süheyla
S
Gücüyetmez
Süleyman
S
Yazar
İzzet
İ
Şahin
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D010374:Pediculus; D015995:Prevalence; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D012574:Schools; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology