Comparison of prevalence of head lice Pediculus humanus capitis among male and female students of some primary schools in Tikrit City
Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer, 1767) among male and female students of five primary schools in Tikrit (Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari for Boys and Fara'a schools for girls in Al-Shuhada neighborhood, and Hawa for girls ’school in Al-Qadisiyah / Al-Duibbat neighborhood, and a school Sincerely, first born for boys in Al-Asri neighborhood, and Madar mixed school in Shishen district).
The results showed prevalence of infection with parasite among the five school students, with a total injury rate of 21.9%, of which 13.8% for males and 80.11% for females. Consequently, the prevalence of parasite among students in 6-7 age group was higher than in rest of age groups, reaching 23.23% and lowest in 10-year age group and over, which reached 16.03%.
The study showed length and nature of hair (tribe or curly) in percentage of infection with parasite, as percentage of infection in females with short hair reached 12.14%, while weakness in females with long hair reached 23.12%, and percentage of injury among students of lower hair was 36.32% for those with Curly hair and 11.81% for tribute hair.
