The Journal of

  Background: Lice are the human permenant external parasites which causing irritation,pruritus, fatigue,malaise, poor health and learning disfunction.The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of head lice infestation in urban female students of Rabat Karim primary schools during the years 2008-2009.

  Method: In an observational and multistage cluster sampling design, 10000 female students of Rabat Karim primary schools were studied.Questionnaires concerning the parameters pertinent to infestation included:family size, literacy, employment, access to healthy water, bathroom facilities and its weekly application, and availability of detergents, were completed. Data were analyzed and processed using SPSS and X² test.

  Results: Out of 10000 subjects under study, 125 inviduals(i.e 1/25%) were infested with head lice, mostly 7 year-old students.No significant statistical relationships were found among access to healthy water, shower facilities and its frequency, availability of detergent and rate of infestation.

  Conclusion: Based on our findings, the most effective ways of preventing the problem of lice infestation(in 81/6% of cases)were direct referral of affected individuals to local health centers ,education and treatment, programs after which, periodic examinations indicated lice left. Also literacy rate is an important factor in that the education of mothers, following and monitoring treatment process and progress is important in controlling and managing head lice infestation.