Pediculosis is a common parasitic skin disease especially in resource-poor settings, but data elucidating its epidemiology are scanty. A study was therefore conducted to assess the factors associated with the head lice infestation among School children in Aliero, a North-western community of Nigeria. Four Primary schools were visited and a total of 360 school children, aged 5 to 20 years examined. The pupilsÂ’ knowledge about the infection and demographic, socioeconomic and environmental variables were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Both gender had their hair and or scalp thoroughly examined by visual inspection for head lice. All cases (presence of eggs, nymphs or adult lice) were recorded. The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 11.4 %( 41/360). Infection was significantly (< 0.001) higher among girls aged 5-10 years (15.4%). Self-reported contact with other infected family members and bed sharing at home were significantly associated with the infection (P
Key words: Pediculus, Infestation, School Children, Aliero.
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