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Epidemiological Comparative Study of Pediculosis Capitis Among Primary School Children in Fayoum and Minofiya Governorates, Egypt

Journal of Community Health volume 40, pages 222–226 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

Pediculosis is a frequent public health problem. The pattern and prevalence of Pediculosis is dependent on many socio-demographic and economic factors. It is common in schoolchildren especially primary level; it may affect their learning performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of head louse among primary students, in Fayoum and Bagor districts, and explore the predisposing factors of head louse infestation in both public and private schools. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in two governorates: Fayoum and Minofiya governorates which represent upper and lower Egypt respectively during the academic year of 2012–2013. The students were selected from different grades with a total of 10,935 students. The prevalence of head lice in the study group was 16.7 %. The incidence was higher in public schools 20.7 % than private schools 9.04 % and in girls 25.8 % more than boys, especially covered hair girls 6.2 %. There was a socio-demographic influence of louse infestation on residence, presence of water supply, number of house rooms, and number of family member. It is concluded that head lice are a common childhood problem related to poor hygiene and socioeconomic status. There is a need for collaboration effort between family, school, community, and media, to create an environment that establishes healthy behaviors and health promotion.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatology and STD and Anderology Department, Fayoum University, Faiyum, Egypt

    Talal A. Abd El Raheem

  2. Public Health Department, Fayoum University, Faiyum, Egypt

    Naglaa A. El Sherbiny

  3. Pediatric Department, Fayoum University, Faiyum, Egypt

    Alkasseem Elgameel

  4. Dermatology and STD and Anderology Department, Minia University, Minya, Egypt

    Ghada A. El-Sayed

  5. Dermatology and STD Department Bolak Hospital, MOHP, Giza, Egypt

    Nada Moustafa

  6. Bagor Hospital, MOHP, Bagor, Egypt

    Sally Shahen

Authors
  1. Talal A. Abd El Raheem
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  2. Naglaa A. El Sherbiny
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  3. Alkasseem Elgameel
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  4. Ghada A. El-Sayed
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  5. Nada Moustafa
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  6. Sally Shahen
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Correspondence to Naglaa A. El Sherbiny.

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Abd El Raheem, T.A., El Sherbiny, N.A., Elgameel, A. et al. Epidemiological Comparative Study of Pediculosis Capitis Among Primary School Children in Fayoum and Minofiya Governorates, Egypt. J Community Health 40, 222–226 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9920-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9920-0

Keywords

  • School students
  • Pediculosis
  • Prevalence
  • Epidemiology