Prevalence of Head Lice Infestation and its Associated Factors Among Female Primary School Students in Ghahavand County and Compared with the Previous Studies

Background and Objectives: Despite the progress of communities’ health, head lice (Pediculus capitis) infestation remains a major health problem. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of head lice infestation and its associated factors among female primary school students in Ghahavand County and compare with the previous studies. Methods: The students were cross-sectionally examined and pediculosis infected students were identified. The student demographic information was collected and recorded. The results were analyzed by Chi-square test of SPSS software. Significance level was considered P<0.05. Results: Among 499 students participating in the study, 89 students (17.8%) had pediculosis. There was a significant difference between student pediculosis prevalence in terms of parents’ educational level, previous infestation history, parental assistance in health affairs, number of household members, and condition, type and length of students’ hair (P<0.05) But there was not a significant difference between student pediculosis prevalence in terms of student educational level, father’s employment, weekly bathing, and the use of personal brush (P>0.05). The results compared with the previous studies. Conclusion: Head lice infestation is relatively high in students that depends on factors such as parent educational levels, previous infestation history, parental assistance in health care, number of household members, and the condition, type and length of the students’ hair. It is recommended to treat the pediculosis infected students along with attention to the instructions and training of parents and school health instructors.