Abstract

PREVALENCE OF HEADLICE AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NEKEDE IN OWERRI WEST, IMO STATE

*Duru N. C., Chimereze N. C., Anyanwu G.O., Onyeulor P. N., Nwafor I. A., Ononogbo C. N., Opara U., Etoamaihe U.

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Abstract

Prevalence of head lice among primary school children in Nekede, located in Owerri West of Imo State, Nigeria and its associated factors was evaluated. In all the selected schools, a total of 504 pupils aged 6 to 12 years, made up of 292 girls and 212 boys in primary 1 to 6 in public and private schools were recruited. One hundred and thirty one boys (61.5%) and two hundred and fifty two girls (86.3%) had their hair and scalp properly examined by visual inspection for head lice. A questionnaire was used to assess the children’s knowledge about the ectopatasite – Pediculus humanus capitis treatment. One hundred and forty six (146) pupils (18 males and 128 females) had head lice (adults and nits) indicating prevalence rate of 38.1%. Pediculus humanus capitis percentage of infestation was more in girls with 50.8% and less in boys with 13.8%. Self reported contact with another infested person was the main risk factor for becoming infected. Out of the 504 pupils recruited, while 6.7% of pupils had no knowledge of how to treat Pediculosis, others mentioned variety of methods which include washing of hair (8.7%), shaving off hair (15.5%), use of hot comb to straighten hair (17.9%), use of insecticide on hair (17.1%), manually removed by picking of lice from hair (13.5%) and use of mixture of camphor and kerosene (20.6%). School sector should be looked into so as to ensure that good sitting arrangement is observed in order to reduce head-to-head contact.

Keywords: Prevalence, Head Lice, Children, Nekede, Imo State.