ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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Year : 2018 | Volume
: 10
| Issue : 1 | Page : 11-15 |
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Head Lice among Governmental Primary School Students in Southern Jordan: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Abdullah Mousa Khamaiseh
Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mutah University, Al-Karak, Jordan
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Abdullah Mousa Khamaiseh Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing-Mutah University, Al-Karak Jordan
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_19_17
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Background: Head lice, a common social and health problem among all age groups, is especially widespread among school-aged children. Aims: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of pediculosis capitis among governmental primary school students in Southern Jordan and its related risk factors. Settings and Design: A sample of 500 primary schools students aged 6–12 from two male and two female public primary schools in four educational directorates were selected randomly in this cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a modified questionnaire that was completed by the students with the help of their parents. Students were then asked to return the questionnaire a day ahead of the examination date with a signed consent from the parents. Statistical Analysis: SPSS software was used with Chi-square testing to study the significant relationship between lice infestation prevalence and the independent variables. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results and Conclusion: The overall prevalence of lice infestation was 20.4% and was significantly higher among girls than boys. The prevalence rate was higher among rural residents, those living in shared rooms, families with a monthly income of <200 Jordanian Dinar, illiterate father and mother, those living in families with more than five members, houses with fewer than three rooms, students with longer hair, those with a history of infestation in the previous year, and students who share home articles with other family members. Female gender, low socioeconomic status, a history of contact, inadequate hygiene practices, and sharing articles were the major risk factors.
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