The prevalence of pediculus capitis in primary schools in a city of Turkey and the efficacy of health education in treatment

Pediculus capitis (PC) is still a world-wide health concern. To identify the prevalence of PC and to evaluate the efficacy of training of mothers about PC in treatment. Design: The study consists of two sections: First section is cross sectional and second section is randomized controlled trial which was conducted between October 3, 2016 - Jun 5, 2017. Sixty children who had parasites were randomized into the intervention and the control groups. Mothers in the intervention group were given education about PC through home visits. There were one in every 10 children in PC. The prevalence of parasites was high in girls, children with four/ more siblings, those with low income, and and those whose mothers have low education levels (p<0.05). Training to the mothers didn’t affect the effectiveness of the treatment while increasing knowledge. Pediculus capitis is still prevalent. Social determinants are influential in PC infestation. Training given mothers about PC couldn’t provide additional benefits to the treatment.