Prevalence and Intensity of Pediculus humanus capitis in Kindergarten and Primary School Children in Poland.

Background/

Objectives

Head lice is an ever-present public health issue, especially among the child population. The diagnosis of head lice infestation should be based on direct examination of the scalp, but, in practice, this standard is often not followed, giving way to indirect methods, such as questionnaires or sales reports of delousing shampoos. In Poland, there is no national pediculosis capitis control strategy; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation in schools and kindergartens in the years 2021-2023.

Methods

Children aged from 3 to 14 years old were directly examined by certified nurses. The same educational institutions were examined across 2021-2023. No personal data of the children were gathered.

Results

The prevalence of head lice infestation among children ranged from 8% to 13%, with significantly higher intensity and prevalence observed in girls compared to boys.

Conclusions

The prevalence of pediculosis capitis among children in Poland remains persistent and relatively stable over the monitored period. Gender emerged as a significant factor, showing a strong association with both the intensity and extent of head lice infestation.