Pediculus capitis, infestation according to sex and social factors in Gaza Governorate

Abstract

Human head lice (Pediculus capitis) infest people worldwide and are most prevalent in children, the aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic status of the family and hygienic practices in the home on prevalence of head lice infestation in children. The prevalence was investigated among 192 houses in Gaza city with 608 children. The hair was examined for head louse infestation. A total of 197 children were infested with head lice. Males had lower infestation than females. Children aged 4-9 years were the most frequently affected, there was a significant relationship between head louse infestation, family size, number of rooms in the homes, family income, frequency of shampooing and combing the hair and frequency of examination the hair for lice. It was found that 26.7% of infested children had other family members who had been infested with head lice and 52.6%of the families used insecticides, 28% used louse comb for treatment of children. There was no correlation between mothers Education and infestation of head lice that mean head louse infestation depends on hygienic practices in the home rather than socioeconomic status of the family. Key words: Pediculus humanus capitis, epidemiology, prevalence, Gaza Governorate