Tropical Biomedicine  2010;27(3):442-6

Prevalence of scabies and head lice among children in a welfare home in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Muhammad Zayyid, M ; Saidatul Saadah, R ; Adil, A R ; Rohela, M ; Jamaiah, I

Country

Malaysia

Language

English

Abstract

This is a survey of 120 children for scabies and head lice infestations in a welfare home in Pulau Pinang. Children from this welfare home (Rumah Kanak-Kanak Taman Bakti, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang) were randomly selected. Majority of them were Malays (72.5%) and the rest were Indians. The infestation rates were highest in the 10-12 years age group with 46% and 70% for scabies and head lice respectively. Head lice was more commonly seen in girls (65%) than boys (29%). Scabies was more commonly seen in boys (50%) than girls (16%). Overall prevalence rate for scabies was 31% and for head lice infestation was 49%.