Prevalence and associated factors of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation among primary schoolchildren in Sebha, Libya

The infection with head pediculosis is prevalent worldwide and leads to health problems in all ages, especially in school aged children. Limited studies have been conducted on the prevalence of head lice infestation in Libya. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of head lice infestation among primary schoolchildren in Sebha city, Libya. From March to May,2019, a total of 971 pupils (569 boys and 402 girls) aged between 6-12 years from five primary schools in Sebha were randomly selected. The hair of each pupil was examined individually for head lice infestation in a separate room, and Pediculosis was defined as the finding of living adult, nymph, or egg (nits). The questionnaire was filled out and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 38.6% (375/971). The prevalence was significantly lower in boys (27.1%) than in girls (55.0%; p