Investigating the epidemiological trend of pediculosis from ۲۰۱۶ to ۲۰۲۲ in Babol city, Iran

Background: Lice are widespread on a global scale and afflict all socioeconomic classes. The infestation of humans by lice is commonly called pediculosis. Despite advancements in health and medical science, human lice are still a health problem. Therefore, the present study investigated the prevalence of pediculosis and its related factors from ۲۰۱۶-۲۰۲۲ in Babol City, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the information of individuals who referred to comprehensive urban and rural health centers, health centers and health houses of Babol City and affiliated hospitals for the purpose of investigating the trend of pediculosis between ۲۰۱۶ and ۲۰۲۲ was extracted from the county health center of Babol City. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version ۲۳. To compare qualitative variables, the chi-square test was used. P< ۰.۰۵ was considered significant. Results: According to the results, there were ۶۶۱۹۷ cases of pediculosis from ۲۰۱۶ to ۲۰۲۲ in Babol City, Iran. Moreover, pediculosis was ۴.۴۴ times more common in females than males and ۲.۳۱ times more common in rural areas, compared to urban areas. It is worth mentioning that the highest infection rate was related to the ۶-۱۲ year age group. The general prevalence of lice infestation was ۲۰.۸۶% in spring, in summer ۲۱.۹۲%, ۳۶.۷۳% in autumn and ۲۰.۴۷% in winter. Study's results showed that the most commonly used treatment was permethrin shampoo and dimethicone lotion. Conclusion: The results show that age, gender, and place of residence are important variables in the prevalence of pediculosis. Educating people about identifying the growth stages of head lice (nits, nymphs, and adults) and methods of preventing and treating parasites and observing personal hygiene, especially in children, can significantly affect the prevalence of pediculosis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pediculosis ، Trend ، Prevalence