Prevalence and Factors Associated with Head Lice Infestation among Primary School Girls in Galle Educational Division

Abstract

Background: Head Lice Infestation (HLI), which is medically termed as pediculosis capitis is caused by Pediculus humanus capitis. It is a significant health concern among school children. Although HLI is associated with minimal morbidity, there is a substantial psychological distress linked to HLI among affected children and their parents. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with HLI among girls attending primary schools in the Galle educational division Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 female students studying in grade five in Galle educational division, using cluster randomization. Students’ scalps were examined. Diagnosis was made by the identification of eggs (nits), nymphs, or adult lice with the naked eye within 20 seconds during scalp examination. Data were collected by pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic and hygienic practices, from the parents. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Level of significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: The study showed that there is a prevalence of 58.2 % of HLI in this group (221/380). It was common among students with increased number (more than four) of family members (67.8 %), number of siblings more than two (70.1 %) and with monthly income lower than fifty thousand rupees (65.0 %). When considering the hygienic practices, sharing of personnel comb, sharing of other personnel items such as towel, pillows and bedlinens were significantly associated with HLI (p<0.05). Frequent scalp scratching was also significant among infested children (p<0.05). Conclusions: Prevalence of HLI was considerably high among girls of primary school and positive association was observed with increased family members, siblings and low family income. Sharing of personnel care items were associated with HLI.