PubMedVector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)2026-11-12
Pediculosis Capitis Among Primary School Children in Delvar, Southern Iran: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Associated Factors.
Boroomand Mitra M, Sanei-Dehkordi Alireza A, Sedigh Atefeh A, Shahabi Saeed S et al.
Pediculosis capitis is one of the most common parasitic infestations among school-aged children worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and associated factors of pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Delvar, Bushehr Province, southern Iran.
A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to March 2025 among primary school children aged 7-12 years using multistage cluster sampling. A total of 715 students were examined. Head lice infestation was assessed through systematic visual inspection and fine-toothed comb examination by trained personnel. Clinical characteristics, including scalp itching, itching location, and developmental stages of lice, were also recorded. Sociodemographic, household, and behavioral information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with infestation.
Among 715 students, 146 were infested, yielding an overall prevalence of 20.4%. Infestation prevalence was similar among boys (20.5%) and girls (20.3%). Scalp itching was reported by 128 students (17.9%), of whom 114 (89.1%) were infested. Among infested students, the recorded developmental stages were adults (34.9%), nymphs (24.7%), nits (13.0%), and mixed nit and louse infestation (27.4%). In multivariable analysis, sharing personal items (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.68), paternal unemployment (AOR = 5.86), and larger family size (AOR = 3.12) showed the strongest positive associations with infestation. Higher paternal education and greater hair-combing frequency were associated with lower odds of infestation.
Pediculosis capitis was common among primary school children in Delvar, with scalp itching frequently reported among infested students. Sharing personal items, paternal unemployment, and larger family size were important correlates of infestation. These findings support targeted school-based screening, early identification of symptomatic children, preventive education, and greater attention to children from larger or socioeconomically disadvantaged households.