Prevalence and risk factors of Pediculus capitis among primary schools children in Al-Mukalla city, Hadhramout governorate, Yemen: A school-based cross-sectional study

Authors

Omar AA Bamaga1, Department of Fundamental Medical Sciences, Hadhramout University, Hadhramout, Yemen.Follow
Talal Alharazi, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
Nazeh Al-Abd, Department of Para-Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Aden University, Aden, Yemen

Abstract

Head lice infestations (Pediculus humanus capitis) are the most common parasitic condition among children in the world, especially in poor communities. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of head lice infestation among children in Al-Mukalla city schools, Hadhramout governorate, Yemen. Data were collected from 467 students from six different primary schools in Al-Mukalla city. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, social-economic factors, practice hygiene and treatment history. The overall prevalence of pediculosis capitis was (58.5%). a significantly higher prevalence was showed among: female gender; long and medium hair; age group of 11-14 years; students in the 4th and 5th Class levels, students in classes with more than 40 students capacity; students in government schools; students who sharing items; those coming from previously infested family members (P<0.001). This study shows a high prevalence of Head lice infestations among children in a primary school in Al-Mukalla city. There is a significant association between Head lice infestations with socio-economic; personal hygiene factors and history of Head lice infestations in one family member that indicated the difficulties of eradication of head lice, especially from girls. Health education and good personal hygiene programmed are needed to increase awareness in our community.

Recommended Citation

Bamaga1, Omar AA; Alharazi, Talal; and Al-Abd, Nazeh (2021) "Prevalence and risk factors of Pediculus capitis among primary schools children in Al-Mukalla city, Hadhramout governorate, Yemen: A school-based cross-sectional study," Hadhramout University Journal of Natural & Applied Sciences: Vol. 18: Iss. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/huj_nas/vol18/iss2/1