Pediculosis as Emerging Infections among Orphans

摘要

The Pediculosis is caused by Pediculus humanus var. capitis. As its incidence has been decreased in the developed world while developing region this infection still become a problematic issue particularly in densely populated areas including an orphanage. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of pediculosis among orphans and determined any relationship with a certain proposed risk-factors presence among them. The study was carried out in one of the orphanage in Medan, named Pembangunan Didikan Islam, Indonesia. This cross-sectional study enrolled 52 orphans consisting of 30 females and 22 males. Our study proved a significant association of several risk factors and incidence of pediculosis including gender (p=0.0001), length of hair (p=0.0001), frequency of borrowing comb (p=0.018), accessory (p= 0.0001), pillow (p=0.036), sleeping in one place (p=0.0001), poor hygiene (p=0.001). Pediculosis remains to become a burden, particularly in high-risk population especially orphans. Preventive and educational course related to hygiene and sanitation must be performed to accommodate the decreasing incidence of pediculosis among targeted-population.