Epidemiology of Pediculosis Capitis of Foster Children in Orphanages Palembang, Indonesia

摘要

Pediculosis capitis is the most common ectoparasites which endemic globally in developed and developing countries that have tropical and subtropical climates. Head lice are obligate blood-sucking which has the potential to cause anaemia. Itching caused by flea saliva can cause children to have a sleeping problem, disrupt the concentration of learning, resulting in a decrease in achievement at school. The spread of pediculosis capitis is supported by the fact that this disease is more often diagnosed in children from dysfunctional families, orphanages and special schools that live in dormitories. This study aims to analyze the correlation between host factors, agents and the environment with the incidence of pediculosis capitis. This study was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design conducted in January 2019. There were 382 samples that had inclusion dan exclusion criteria. Data collected from anamnesis questionnaires and hair examinations of respondents. The result was analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression. There were 160 respondents (41,9%) had been found positive pediculosis capitis. The Statistical test showed that gender, personal hygiene, hair type, length of hair, knowledge, the habit of sharing the use of the comb, the habit of sharing the bed and the habit of sharing towel have a significant association to the incident of pediculosis capitis. The most dominant factor in the incidence of pediculosis capitis was personal hygiene. The children with poor personal hygiene had risk 8.713 times to get pediculosis capitis than children with good personal hygiene.