Ismaeil Alizadeh - MSc, Department of vector biology and control, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
Abbas Aghaei Afshar - Associate professor, Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,
Mohammad Amin Gorouhi - Assistant Professor, Department of vector biology and control, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
Elmira Zahraei - Student Research Committee, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Sara Nasrollahzadeh - Student Research Committee, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,
Fatemeh Sheikhooshaghi - Student Research Committee, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Background: Head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is a common and serious public health problem that have been reported from primary school students in different countries in all over the world, especially in Asian countries including Iran.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the knowledge of mothers and students about treatment and prevention of head lice in girl’s elementary schools in Kerman city.Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2019 in Kerman city, southeast of Iran. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and interview was conducted by a well briefed team of vector biology and control students. Collected data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22.Results: Totally, 190 mothers and 190 students were interviewed. The results showed that 59.1 % of the mother s job was housewife and 25.3 % was employed in this survey. Most of them (82.4%) are familiar with head lice infestation. A 58.4% of mothers saw head lice before. The mean of mother s knowledge score regarding prevention of head lice infestation were (±SD) = 4.25 ±1.786, (Score: Minimum= 0, Maximum= 5). Also, The mean of mother s knowledge score regarding treatment of head lice were (±SD) = 3.09 ±2.434, (Score: Minimum= 0, Maximum= 5). The most students (93.2%) are familiar with head lice infestation. The mean of students knowledge score regarding head lice were (±SD) = 0.92 ±2.019, (Score: Minimum= 0, Maximum= 10). Also, the mean of students knowledge score regarding prevention of head lice infestation were (±SD) = 3.73 ±2.181, (Score: Minimum= 0, Maximum= 5).Conclusion: In conclusion, the mothers in this survey have good knowledge regarding treatment and prevention of head lice infestation while the students have weak knowledge. It is suggested to perform educational program in order to improve the students’ knowledge level.

Head lice, Mothers, Students, Knowledge, Iran, Kerman