02934nas a2200277 4500008004100000245010400041210007000145260001200215300000900227490000700236520202500243653001802268653001902286653002702305100002002332700002902352700001502381700001902396700002902415700003302444700002702477700003902504700001802543700002302561856007202584 2020 eng d00aPediculosis capitis in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: Epidemiological profile and associated risk factors0 aPediculosis capitis in Abidjan Côte dIvoire Epidemiological prof c11-2020 a8 pp0 v113 a

Pediculosis capitis (PC) is a parasitic infestation, common in children's communities caused by Pediculus humanus capitis. Various factors including infestation-related stigma, treatment cost and health risks make this infestation deserves special attention. This study aims to determine epidemiological profile of pediculosis capitis twenty years after the last study in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

An epidemiological cross-sectional survey was carried out from April to June 2018 across 40 public primary schools in the ten districts of Abidjan. Data from schoolchildren and parents and/or guardians were collected using a pretested questionnaire after agreement and signature of the informed consent form. Head lice were identified visually with a magnifying glass, and then collected using fine combs and hairbrushes. The positive diagnosis was made by the detection of living lice in the hair.

Of the 4, 805 included participants, 28 (0.58%) were hosting living lice in hair. Analysis of associated factors showed that gender related-status was associated with PC. In this case, girls were more affected than boys (p=0.018). Plateau, Treichville and Port Bouët municipalities were the most affected (p=0.018). The length hair was associated with the occurrence of PC (p<0,001). Schoolchildren from families with low monthly income was most infected by PC (p=0.023). Some parameters such as promiscuity and collective use of washing facilities and bedding, were not found to be associated to head lice infestation.

This study shows a drastic decrease of PC prevalence in Abidjan corresponding to 97%. This could be due to the improvement in the quality of life and education of the population of Abidjan. The establishment of hygiene committees and the teaching of basic hygiene practices from the first school years have contributed to these achievements. Maintaining these measures will contribute to the sustainable elimination of CP among children in Abidjan.

10aCote d'Ivoire10aschoolchildren10aSocio-economic factors1 aDjohan, Vincent1 aAngora, Kpongbo, Etienne1 aMiezan, S.1 aBédia, A., K.1 aKonaté, Abibatou, Andre1 aBosson-Vanga, Abo, Henriette1 aKassi, Fulgence, Kondo1 aKiki-Barro, Pulchérie, Christiane1 aYavo, William1 aMenan, Eby, Ignace uhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405673120300283