Head pediculosis in schoolchildren in the eastern region of the European Union.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of head pediculosis among children from state primary schools in the villages and towns in eastern Poland, one of the poorest regions of the European Union.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2009-2012 in 30 rural and urban State schools. Current and previous results (1996-2000) of examinations performed in the study area were compared. The impact of socioeconomic factors on the prevalence of head pediculosis in eastern Poland in the period of 16 years was analysed.

RESULTS: Pediculosis was diagnosed in 2.01% of the schoolchildren, more frequently in pupils from rural (3.52%) than urban (0.98%) schools. Lice infestation was higher in girls (59.52%) than in boys (40.48%). The risk of pediculosis in children increased in schools that did not employ a nurse (mean 5.07%) and decreased when a part-time (mean 2.96%) or full-time nurse (mean 1.01%) was employed. The incidence of pediculosis doubled despite the improvement in the socioeconomic status of the population observed within the last 16 years.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that personal hygiene behaviour may be of key importance in determining the spread of the disease.