Prevalence and predictors of pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Hulu Langat, Selangor
- Author:
Nor Faiza Mohd Tohit
;
Lekhraj Rampal
;
Lye Mun-Sann
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Prevalence;
predictors;
pediculosis capitis;
primary school;
Hulu Langat
- MeSH:
Lice Infestations
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2017;72(1):12-17
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Pediculosis capitis infestation is endemic in
both developing and developed countries leading to various
physical, economical and psychological consequences. Our
main objective was to determine the prevalence and
predictors of pediculosis capitis among primary school
children in Hulu Langat District, Malaysia.
Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study using cluster
random sampling method was carried out in Hulu Langat
District, Malaysia. Self-administered pretested
questionnaires were used to collect the data. Hair and scalp
examination was also carried out. Multivariate logistic
regression was used to control for potential confounding
and determine the predictors.
Results: The overall mean age of the 1,336 respondents was
9.3 years. Majority were males (52.8%), Malays (79.5%) and
81.3% of the fathers had secondary or tertiary education as
compared to 77.3% for the mothers. The overall prevalence
of pediculosis capitis was 15.3%. The prevalence of
pediculosis was significantly higher among females (28.4%)
than males (3.7%, p=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression
analysis showed that age 10 years or more (Odds Ratio (OR)
= 2.34, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.673 to 3.272), female
gender (OR = 10.26, 95% CI = 6.620 to 15.903), history of
contact with an infested person (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.506 to
2.960), Indian compared to Chinese (OR = 3.55, 95% CI =
1.282 to 9.860), Malay to Chinese (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = .994
to 6.774) were associated with pediculosis capitis.
Conclusions: Prevalence of pediculosis capitis among
children aged 7 - 12 years in Hulu Langat District was high.
There is a need for screening and treatment of pediculosis
capitis in primary schools.
- Full text:P020170303473902104716.pdf
