Saeedeh Yousefi|Faezeh Shamsipoor|Yaser Salim Abadi
Epidemiological Study of Head Louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) Infestation Among Primary School Students in Rural Areas of Sirjan County, South of Iran
Tehran University of Medical Sciences|Sirjan University of Technology|Tehran University of Medical Sciences|Tehran University of Medical Sciences
background head louse pediculus humanus capitis obligate ectoparasite found hair scalp transmitted mainly physical contact part world pediculosis major public health concern head lice infestation common problem schoolage children objectives present study first study head lice infestation rural areas sirjan county iran considering fact primary school studenta prone head lice infestation study conducted primary schools rural areas sirjan study conducted determine head lice infestation rate risk factors primary school students materials methods data irans national census used sampling primary school students 2009 2010 rural areas sirjan county selected asked presence lice form data analysis chisquare test spss software version 115 used p value less 005 considered significant results total number 20 1772 112 examined students found infested lice although infestation rate higher girls difference infestation rate genders statistically significant p 005 rate head lice infestation siginificantly p 005 correlated hairwashing behavior parents literacy level also siginificantly related head lice infestation rate p 005 conclusions pediculosis major health problem many parts world including developed underdeveloped countries according findings seems populated families parents lower literacy level families without bathroom home infestation rate higher therefore employing health workers educate families well teachers good method prevent pediculosis