Prevalence of head louse infestation among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea: nationwide observation of trends in 2011-2019

The Korean Journal of Parasitology

article

Seungwan Ryoo¹  Sooji Hong¹  Taehee Chang¹  Hyejoo Shin¹  Jae Young Park¹  Jeonggyu Lee¹  Eun-Hee Nah¹  Eun Hee Lee¹  Bong-Kwang Jung¹  Jong-Yil Chai¹ 

[1] MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion

关键词: Pediculus humanus capitis;    head louse;    schoolchildren;    prevalence;    Republic of Korea;   

DOI  :  10.3347/PHD.22134

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: The Korean Society for Parasitology

【 摘 要 】

Head louse infestation is a significant public health problem across the world, particularly among preschool and primary schoolchildren. This study investigated the trends of head louse infestation in the Republic of Korea over a 9-year period (2011–2019), targeting primary schoolchildren in 3 areas of Seoul, 4 other large cities, and 9 provinces. A survey was administered annually by the health staff of each regional office (n=16) of the Korea Association of Health Promotion (KAHP). The branch offices of KAHP examined a total of 51,508 primary schoolchildren, comprising 26,532 boys and 24,976 girls. Over the 9-year survey, a total of 1,107 (2.1%) schoolchildren tested positive for adults and/or nits of Pediculus humanus capitis. The prevalence was 2.8% (133/4,727) in 2011–2012 and gradually decreased to 0.8% (49/6,461) in 2019 (P<0.05). Head lice were found more frequently in girls (3.0%; 746/24,976) than in boys (1.4%; 361/26,532) (P<0.05). In terms of geographic localities, the highest infestation rate, 4.7% (average prevalence over 9 years), was observed in southern Seoul (Gangnam branch of KAHP), whereas the lowest infestation rate, 0.7%, was seen in Gyeongsang (north and south provinces) and western Seoul. Although the prevalence decreased significantly during the 9-year period, head louse infestation remains a health and hygiene issue among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea. Regular surveys along with health education are needed to further improve children’s hair hygiene.

【 授权许可】

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