Research Information System
International Journal of Caring Sciences, vol.12, no.2, pp.658-665, 2019 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Abstract
Aim: Pediculus capitis (P. capitis) is a prevalent contagious parasitosis disease worldwide. It is a serious public
health problem because of its high prevalence in school-age children. This study was planned to determine the
prevalence of P. capitis and the personal hygiene status of the students in different vocational high schools.
Methods: The data were collected from 491 high school students using a Personal Hygiene Questionnaire
between September-December 2018 and by the screening of P. capitis.
Results: P. capitis was detected in 51.9% of the cases. The prevalence of pediculosis was higher in the female
children (236/491) than that in the male children (19/491). This difference was found to be significant according
to gender (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the schools in terms of pediculosis
prevalence according to the status of washing hands before meals and cutting nails (p<0.05). There was a
significant difference between the children's P. capitis positivity according to their level of knowledge about P.
capitis (p<0.05).
Conclusion: P.capitis remains a prevalent endemic problem in school-age children in Turkey. Providing
education in schools, raising awareness of parents and ensuring cooperation will contribute to the decrease of P.
capitis endemics.
Keywords: Pediculus capitis, school-age child, prevalence, personal hygiene