Head lice infestation (Pediculosis) and its associated factors in the rural school students of Kalaleh, in the academic year 1392-93

Head lice infestation is a common disease in all ages with a worldwide distribution with considerable frequency in community centers such as schools. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of head lice infestation and it›s affecting factors in the rural school students of Kalaleh، in the academic year 92-93. This study was a cross sectional، descriptive-analytic approach. The studied population consisted of 2500 students in rural schools of Kalaleh، studying in the academic year 1392-93. Data were collected via direct observation of experts and the checklist of Pediculosis. Data were then entered into and analyzed using SPSS version 17. 157 of students (6. 28%) had head lice with the highest frequency among the girls with 147 people. There was a statistically significant relationship between the place of residence، occupation، education level of parents، family size، education level، existence of a shower in homes، frequency of showering and brushing، a history of head lice infestation، the presence or absence of school health teachers and hair size (P<0. 05). Pediculosis is still a public health problem in communities with poor life and health facilities. High prevalence of this issue among school students may be linked to factors such as lack of health educators in school and lack of adequate attention to personal hygiene.