Prevalence and risk factors of Pediculus (humanus) capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae), in primary schools in Sanandaj City, Kurdistan Province, Iran.
Human head lice, Pediculus (humanus) capitis, infest people worldwide and are   most prevalent in children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of head   lice, in relation to socioeconomic status of the family and hygienic practices in the home. The   prevalence rate was determined in 27 primary schools that had 810 students in Sanandaj city   who were selected by multistage, systematic random sampling. A total of 38 students from all   grades were infested with different rates of infestations. In addition, standard questionnaire   recorded information about demographic features of each student were fulfilled. Children   aged 10-11 years were the most frequently affected, there was a significant relationship   between head louse infestation, family income and parents education level (α=5%). Pediculosis   is a public health problem in many parts of the world. Pediculosis was found to be more   prevalent among children of fathers with lower level of education and socioeconomic status,   it is necessary to give health education to families in order to prevent pediculosis in this area.
Environmental Health Research Centre and Department of Public Health, School of Health, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
A
A
Vahabi
K
K
Shemshad
M
M
Sayyadi
A
A
Biglarian
B
B
Vahabi
S
S
Sayyad
M
M
Shemshad
J
J
Rafinejad
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000469:parasitology; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010374:Pediculus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D012923:Social Class; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires