Prevalence of pediculosis in Mazandaran province from 2012-2020

Lice infestation is one of the most common parasitic infections that have a considerable hygienic importance. Epidemiological studies can determine the status of inestation and determine its relationship with environmental factors. Adequate humidity and high population density have provided a suitable environment for lice population increase in Mazandaran province. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of pediculosis in Mazandaran province from 2012 to 2020.

In this descriptive-analytical study, the frequency of pediculosis and the population of Mazandaran province were collected from health network of Mazandaran province during 2012 to 2020. Then, the results of the collected data were analyzed separately by gender, age and location variables using Poisson regression test.

history of people referring to the health network of Mazandaran province, showed the frequency of pediculosis infestation 243487 cases during 2012 to 2020. The highest level of infection was observed in 2015 (1.61%). Pediculosis was 5.6 times more common in females (P < 0/05) and 2.1 times more common in rural areas than in urban areas (P < 0/05). The highest rate of infection was in the age group of 6-12 years old.

The results show that age, gender and residential areas are major variables of pediculosis. Therefore it is highly suggested to concentrate on these important variables for prevention and control of pediculosis.