Head lice infestation with Pediculushumanus capitis is a widespread health concern among school
children. The study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of individuals of Albaha community about
the risk factors causing the noticeably high prevalence of head lice infestation. A questionnaire was
used that dealt with 24 factors categorized into 3 main groups: factors related to the student, to the
family and to the school. About 800 individuals from Albaha community were selected randomly and
the samples were categorized according to age, job and education level. Results showed that schoolrelated
factors were claimed to have the strongest effect on lice prevalence (mean = 2.57) followed by
family-related factors (mean = 2.14), then student-related factors (mean = 2.04). There were significant
differences in the response of individuals according to age and jobs, but no significance was found in
response according to education level. |
