The Journal of

Introduction: Head lice infection is a global health problem with a long history that led to physical, psychological and social complications which is most common between the ages of 6-11years. Regarding lack of studies in the area this study was performed to determine the prevalence of Pediculus capitis in primary school children and its preventive behaviors determinants based on Health Belief Model in Their Mothers in Hashtgerd, 2012.

Methods: The analytical cross-sectional study carried out on 372 primary school students and their mothers in Hashtgerd. Data was collected by examining the student's heads and a questionnaire which was completed by their mothers and was analyzed by SPSS-18, using Indices of central tendency and dispersion, independent t-test, Pearson correlation ratio, linear regression, and ANOVA.

Results: The prevalence of Pediculus capitis was 6.4 percent. Prevalence of head lice was significantly higher in girl students (8.6%) versus boys (0.5%) (P<0.001). There was a positive significant correlation between preventive behaviors and perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy (P<0.05). Among preventive behaviors, cooperation of mothers with health care providers to prevent lice had the lowest frequency. Based on regression analysis, HBM constructs predicted 10.7% of variance  in preventive behaviors and self-efficacy was the only statistically significant predictor of behavior (&beta;=0.048).   

Conclusion: Regarding meaningful prevalence of Pediculus capitis  especially among female students, HBM-based educational programs is recommended  to enhance preventive behaviors of head lice in students, parents, and school staff with an emphasize on mothers self- efficacy and also necessity of mothers cooperation with health care providers to prevent lice.