Prevalence of Pediculosis and Associated Risk Factors in the Girls primary School in Azadshahr City, Golestan Province, 2012-2013

Background and purpose: Pediculosis (Pediculus capitis) is a worldwide public health concern that affects mostly on primary school-aged children. This descriptive study was performed to determine the prevalence of pediculosis and some risk factors among girls primary school in Azadshahr city, Golestan province, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 1510 girls were selected from primary schools of Azadshahr from first to sixth grade. Data were collected from the selected schools by one trained nursing inspector. A questionnaire was filled for each school child prior to hair examination, then examination was carried out to detect head lice as well as eggs/nits. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows 16.0 and the chi-square test. Statistical significance was considered at the level of (P 0.05). Conclusion: Increasing awareness and training of teachers and parents, as well as improving standards of personal health can significantly reduce the prevalence of pediculosis.