Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) among children in schools in some municipalities in Tripoli-Libya

Abstract

Background: Pediculus capitis is an obligate ectoparasite and considered a 
worldwide community health problem that affects children in both 
developed and underdeveloped countries. Objective of the study: to 
determine the prevalence rate of head lice infestation among children in 
school, as well as demographic and risk factors that contribute to the spread 
of this parasite.  Study design: a cross-sectional observational study was 
conducted between November and December 2021 in thirty-one 
governmental children's schools in Tripoli.  (5764) pupils were examined for 
head lice infestation; data were collected from infested pupils by direct 
interview, and statistically analyzed by the SPSS program. (Chi-square), 
results considered statistically significant at (P<0.05).  Results: from the 
conducted study showed that the overall total prevalence rate of head lice 
infestation was (1061/18.41%) in all municipalities, Aboslim, and soq-aljuma 
represented high prevalence (28.97%, 23.72% respectively) with high 
statistically significant (P<0.001) compared with Ain-zara, and Tajura 
(13.93%, and12.89% respectively). Pupils aged from 6-11 years are highly 
infested than those aged 12-14 years the rate (63.52%,36.48%respectively), 
female more infested than male (73.33%, 26.67% respectively), smooth hair 
highly infested than middle and curly hair (76.81%, 17.91%, and 5.28% 
respectively), stage of parasite pupils was highly infested with nit than 
nymph and adults (86.43 %, 1.98%, 11.59% respectively), female wearing 
headscarves highly infested than those dose not wearing (87.40%, 12.60% 
respectively), pupils who washing twice per week more infested than those 
washing four or more than four times per week (45.81%, 26.20%, and 
27.99% respectively), family have more than four members highly significant 
infested than those have two or four members (64.37.%, 10.74%, and 
24.88% respectively).  Conclusion: prevalence of head lice infestation was 
18.41%, the most common risk factors were young ages, females, smooth 
and short hair, wearing scarves, family members, and showering twice per 
week.