Epidemiology of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in Damascus, Syria

Mohammad Taher Ismail, Mohammad Maher Kabakibi, Abeer Al-Kafri

Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology 2018 19(4):331-334

Background: Pediculosis is a common ectoparasitic infection in schoolchildren, causing a public health problem, which is neglected in Syria. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of infestation with head lice among primary schoolchildren in Damascus, Syria, and explore the predisposing factors of head lice infestation in public schools. Materials and Methods: The present study was to determine the head lice infestation (pediculosis) levels in primary schoolchildren, from March to July 2017. A total of 8689 (females: 4392, males 4297) schoolchildren aged 6–12 years from 18 selected primary school of Damascus city and countryside were examined for head lice. Pediculosis was defined as the presence of at least on living adult, nymph, or viable egg. Results: The overall head lice infestation rate was 14. 3% (1243/8689) and infestation rate was higher in girls (23.72%, 1042/4392) than in boys (4.67%, 201/4297). The infestation rate among schoolchildren varied from 1.4% to 60.7% and depended on the age group is 18.10% (6–8 years), 12.22% (9–10 years), and 13.30% (11–12 years). The infestation rate among girls varied from 22.2% (10–12-year-old group) to 42.8% (6–8-year-old group). Conclusions: Pediculosis is a common public health problem affecting primary schoolchildren in Damascus area, and the levels of infestation are of an endemic significance.