A Review of Pediculosis Studies in Iran During Three Decades (1990-2020) Publisher



Khosravani M¹ ; Amiri SA^{2, 10} ; Rafatpanah A³ ; Bandak C⁴ ; Latifi R⁵ ; Moradi M⁶ ; Mohemmi N⁶ ; Harat FA⁷ ; Nodez SMM⁸ ; Hatami Z⁹
Source: Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System Published:2021

Abstract

Background: Lice are obligate parasites that bring about some mild infestation or severe diseases on different parts of the human body. Head lice can easily spread in an overcrowded community with inadequate hygienic conditions. Also, it affects children’s well-being and education programs. Methods: This study is a narrative review. To carry out this comprehensive research about pediculosis in Iran, all published data on scientific research resources were included i.e. Google scholar, Springer, ProQuest, JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, Bioline, BioOne, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed, Sage, Wiley Online Library, World Scientific, and SID. Results: Overall, 52,342 students (from primary and secondary schools) and around 20,000 adult persons were infested with P. capitis in Iran during 3 decades (1990-2020) as reported by published documents but the actual number may statistically be higher. The variation of results implies that risk factors are linked with numerous cultural, geographical, economic, and personal habits. In general, the infestation rate of Pediculosis capitis in the south and southeast was higher than in other parts of Iran. Conclusion: Family members should avoid sharing hair tools particularly hairbrushes. Authors believe that not only economic situations but also some behaviors originating from personality traits influenced children’s health. In this regard, children in higher grades might tend to conceal their infestation from their parents or school nurse care. Wet combing is often efficient for removing nits at least within the initial infestation. © 2021 DAR Publishers/The University of Jordan.