Prevalence of pediculosis capitis in children from a rural school in Yucatan, Mexico

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with active head lice infestation. In total 140 children, aged 6 to 16-years, from a public school in rural Yucatan, Mexico, were examined by wet-combing. A structured questionnaire was used to col...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo
Main Authors: Pablo Manrique-Saide, Norma Pavía-Ruz, Jorge C. Rodríguez-Buenfil, Roodeth Herrera Herrera, Pilar Gómez-Ruiz, Daniel Pilger
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Universidade de São Paulo (USP) 2011
Subjects:
Pediculosis capitis
Head lice
Schoolchildren
Yucatan
Mexico
Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine
RC955-962
Infectious and parasitic diseases
RC109-216
Arctic
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1590/S0036-46652011000600005
https://doaj.org/article/2b4fa5ea69754543a235a966961a978d
Description
Summary:We conducted an analytical cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with active head lice infestation. In total 140 children, aged 6 to 16-years, from a public school in rural Yucatan, Mexico, were examined by wet-combing. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on individuals and the conditions in the surrounding environment. Head lice infestation was found in 19 out of the 140 children tested (13.6%) and this was associated with both lower income (OR 9.9, 95% CI 2.15-45.79, p = 0.003) and a higher frequency of hair washing (OR 8, 95% CI 1.58-50, p = 0.012). Intersectoral control programs that take into account the socioeconomic differences of children should be implemented.

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