Recurrent infestation with pediculosis capitis among aged 10-11 students in Hulu Langat, Selangor
Background: Recurrent Pediculosis capitis may lead to various physical, economical and psychological consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the level of recurrent Pediculosis capitis, identify the factors associated with the recurrence and its predictors. Materials and Methods: The s...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia
2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/71233/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/71233/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/71233/1/71233_Recurrent%20infestation%20with%20pediculosis.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/71233/7/71233_Recurrent%20infestation%20with%20pediculosis%20capitis%20_googlescholar.pdf |
| Summary: | Background: Recurrent Pediculosis capitis may lead to various physical, economical and
psychological consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the level of recurrent
Pediculosis capitis, identify the factors associated with the recurrence and its predictors.
Materials and Methods: The study used cross-sectional study design. Ten schools were
included in the study. A total of 4,390 students from standard four and five were screened for
Pediculosis capitis. Only 308 students diagnosed with Pediculosis capitis were included and
treated. After 6-weeks, the recurrent infestation level was determined.
Result: The total level of recurrent infestation was 8.30%. Contact with person with lice
infestation was associated with recurrent Pediculosis capitis (χ2 = 3.557, df =1, P = 0.050).
Hair type (χ2 = 4.388, df =1, P = 0.036) and hair length (χ2 = 4.225, df =1, P = 0.040) showed
significant association with recurrent Pediculosis capitis. Those with previous contact with an
infested person had odds of 3.263 to have recurrent infestation at 6-weeks as compared to
those without previous infestation (AOR=3.262, 95% CI = 1.138 – 9.356, P=0.028). The
respondents with curly hair had the odds of 2.89 times higher than those with straight hair to
have recurrent infestation at 6-weeks (AOR = 2.895, 95% CI = 1.155 -7.257, P = 0.023).
Conclusion: The total level of recurrent infestation was 8.30%. It is associated with contact
with person with Pediculosis capitis, hair type and hair length. Recurrent Pediculosis capitis is
still a public health problem and necessary intervention must be taken to prevent or reduce its
occurrence. |
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