Prevalence and associated factors of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation among primary schoolchildren in Sebha, Libya

Abstract

 The infection with head pediculosis is prevalent worldwide and leads to health problems in all ages, especially in school aged children. Limited studies have been conducted on the prevalence of head lice infestation in Libya. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of head lice infestation among primary schoolchildren in Sebha city, Libya. From March to May,2019, a total of 971 pupils (569 boys and 402 girls) aged between 6-12 years from five primary schools in Sebha were randomly selected. The hair of each pupil was examined individually for head lice infestation in a separate room, and Pediculosis was defined as the finding of living adult, nymph, or egg (nits). The questionnaire was filled out and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 38.6% (375/971). The prevalence was significantly lower in boys (27.1%) than in girls (55.0%; p<0.0001). The infestation rate among schoolchildren was significantly varied from 51.8%  in children aged 7 years to 27.5% in children aged 10 years (p<0.0001). Pediculosis was significantly more frequent in Aljamhoria school (48.0%) than other schools (p<0.0001). There were significant relationships between head lice infestation and smooth hair (p<0.0001), shared head cover/scarf with others (p<0.0001), shared hair comb (p=0.032), shared accessories (p<0.0001), frequency of hair-washing (p=0.002) and using a private bed and bedding facilities (p=0.004). While, statistically  associations with pediculosis were not showed with some variables such as: family size (p=0.196), shared bath towel (p=0.197) and sleeping in a private room (p=0.083).