ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to detect the prevalence and evaluate risk factors of Pediculus capitis infestation in four primary schools in Iğdır in April and May, 2010.

The study was performed on 2222 students (6-15 years old), 1116 female and 1106 male. The hair of the students, especially from the neck and back of the head, were examined for egg, nymph and imago of P. capitis. The samples taken from the students were brought to the Medical Laboratory of Health Services Vocational School of Iğdır University for examination. Each student answered a questionnaire containing some questions related to the infestation.

The imago, nymph or eggs of the parasite were encountered in 22.9% of females and in 3.2% of males. Prevalence of infestation in all students was 13.1%.

It was determined that there was a significant relation between head louse infestation and gender, socioeconomic status of the schools, hair length, number of people living in the home and the number of rooms in the house. In most comparisons, relations between prevalence of pediculosis capitis and education level, income level and job of the children’s father and education level of the children’s mother were found significant at different levels.

Keywords: Pediculus capitis, prevalence, primary schools, Iğdır