International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences

  • Year: 2018
  • Volume: 7
  • Issue: 8

Prevalence of Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) Infestation among Pupils in Elementary Schools in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

  • Author:
  • Khalil Mohamed1,, Amir Elmubarak2, Dina Zaghloul3, Malak Zahrani2, Mona Jefri2, Khadija Alfaqih2, Marah Ashi2, Maram Alnefaie2, Amena Alkinani2, Abdullah Alhazmi1, Mohand Jafar1, Ahmad Babalghith4
  • Total Page Count: 11
  • DOI:
  • Page Number: 66 to 76

1Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

3Department of Parasitology, Al Noor Hospital, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

4Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding e-mail: kmismail@uqu.edu.sa

Online published on 19 November, 2018.

Abstract

Head lice infestation (Pediculosis capitus) is a common public health problem worldwide. It is a contagious condition caused by the human louse Pediculus humanus capitis, an obligate ectoparasite.

To explore the prevalence of pediculosis among the pupils in the elementary schools in Makkah, and to study the risk factors that increase the lice infestation.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in random school girls and boys in different areas in Makkah city. Questionnaire for collecting data with different clinical methods for inspection was done.

A total of 705 pupils aged between 6–15 years from 21 different schools participated. About 486 girls and 219 boys participated in the current study. The overall prevalence was 31.2% girls were significantly infested than boys 42.8%, 5.5% respectively (p<0.0001). Age group of 8–11 years in both boys and girls had a significant relationship with lice infestation (p<0.02). Both boys and girls who reside in the middle area were more suspected of lice (p<0.003). High significant was found in Arab race than others (p<0.0001). Pupil whose father has worked was more suspected of lice infestation (p<0.0001), however pupil whose mother is housewife was more suspected of lice infestation (p<0.008). Shared head scarf with others girls had significant different to increase the infestation (p<0.05). The result showed the relationship between smooth hair and lice infestation (p<0.0001).

The results obtained in the current study showed the spread of lice in the elementary schools in Makkah and the importance to prepare the comprehensive program for health education besides preparing a strategic plan for control, management, and eradication.

Keywords

Epidemiology, Head lice, Pediculosis capitis, Infestation