The Prevalence of Pediculosis capitis in Primary School Students in Bahar, Hamadan Province, Iran

Background: Head lice infestation caused by Pediculus humanus var capitis (Pediculus capitis) is a worldwide public health concern that affects mostly school aged children. This descriptive, analytical study was carried out in 2008 to determine the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and some risk factors among primary-school pupils in Bahar, Hamadan Province, Iran. Methods: We selected 900 pupils (50% girls and 50% boys) from 18 primary schools by multistage, systematic random sampling. Their hair was examined for head louse infestation. The results and demographic information recorded in the questionnaire and then were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Twelve students (1.3%) were infected with lice, 10 (2.2%) girls and 2 (0.44%) boys. The rate of infection was 0.66% in urban and 1.66% in rural areas. The results showed significant variations in head lice infestation, and factors such as sex, level of parent education and habitat (P<0.05), while there was no significant variation between school grade, members of family and the frequency of hair washing (P>0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of pediculosis was less than average percentages observed in other students inside and outside Iran. We recommend that the parents and teachers should receive training about the danger of infection and its distribution in family and school in order to prevent it.