Scalp pediculosis in school environment in the city of Abidjan: prevalence and influence of socioeconomic conditions

Hair samples from 2,209 children aged between 4 and 15 years were analyzed in March and April 1997 in an epidemiological study. We found that the prevalence of scalp pediculosis in schools in Abidjan was 18.51%. The girls were more frequently infected than the boys (24.88% for girls and 11.85% for boys). The children most frequently affected were those aged 14 to 15 years (24%) or 6 to 7 years (23. 21%). The children least affected were those aged 12 to 13 years (15. 21%) or 10 to 11 years (16.21%). Socioeconomic conditions, particularly the monthly incomes of the parents, cramped conditions and the collective use of washing facilities and bedding affected the prevalence of scalp pediculosis. Measures to deal with scalp pediculosis in schools should take into account socioeconomic and psychological factors, which are as important as the drug treatment for scalp pediculosis.