Association of pruritus visual analogue scale and risk factors in adolescence pediculosis capitis in two public boarding schools, West Java

Background Pediculosis  capitis  is  a  scalp  infestation  by pediculus  humanis  capitiswhich  can  be found all over the worldand most commonly affects children aged 3-12 years. Pruritus is the main symptom  caused  by  sensitization  to  the  saliva  components  injected  by  the  lice  into  the  scalp. Generally, it takes 2 to 6 weeks for pruritus to develop with the first infestation. Atopic conditions may  also  increase  the  severity  of  scalp  pruritus.  In  addition,  similar  complaints  in  family  and roommates are potential ymptoms of pediculosis capitis.

Methods This study aimed to assess the pruritus severity using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and its  association  with  several  risk  factors  that  might  affect  the  pruritus  degree  in  adolescence pediculosis capitis. This is an analytic descriptive study using cross-sectional design in two public boarding schools, West Java, during September 2018-March 2019.

Results We  identified  357  (311  females,  46  males)  students  diagnosed  with  pediculosis  capitis among  a  total  of  713  students.  The  age ranges  of  the  subjects  were11-18  years,  with  an  average 13.8  years  (SD  1.5357).  The  mean  pruritus  VAS  was  3.9  (SD  1.93).  Significant  association  were found  between  pruritus  VAS  and  onset  of  disease  (p=  0.0149),  previous  history  of  similar complaint (p=0.02049), and family history of pediculosis capitis (p=0.02849).

Conclusion In conclusion, the majority of students with pediculosis capitis suffered from moderate pruritus.  Onset  of  disease  was  associated  with  pruritus,  consistent  with  the  pathogenesis  of pediculosis capitis, while the other associated risk factors need further investigation.