Head Lice Infestation among Internally Displaced Persons in Tikrit Camp/ Iraq

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Head lice infestation is a health issue that frequently affects crowded populations with low social-hygiene status. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for head lice among internally displaced persons in Tikrit camp.

Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted in the camps of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Tikrit province, North of Iraq. The study included a total of 372 subjects (194 males and 178 females), mean age was 12.62± 8.65 years. All participants were examined in the inspection room. Visual inspection and dry comb test were used for detection of different developmental stage of lice in the head.  A subject was considered infested when at least one of the developing stages of the parasite is detected. Demographic and personal characteristics of each subject were obtained using structural questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence of head lice infestation amonginternally displaced persons in Tikrit camp was (47.85%).Each of older age (<12 years) (OR= 0.53, 95%CI=0.25-0.98, p=0.048) and mother’s secondary or above educational level (OR= 0.012, 95%CI= 0.02-0.06, p<0.001) were independent protective factors against pediculosis. In contrast, each of female sex (OR= 7.2, 95%CI=4.0-12.94, p<0.001), family size ≥8 (OR= 3.17, 95%CI= 1.37-13.25, p=0.039) and sharing others with the same bed (OR= 1.76, 95%CI=1.01-3.71, p= 0.044) were independent risk factors for pediculosis.

Conclusions: There is a relatively high prevalence of head lice infestation among internally displaced persons in Tikrit camp. Younger age, female sex, mother’s educational level, increased family member and sharing others with the same bed are the main factors associated with this infestation.