Prevalence and Alternative Treatment of Head-Lice Infestation in Rural Thailand: A Community-Based Study
The Korean Journal of Parasitology
; : 499-504, 2019.
Article
in En
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-761776
Responsible library:
WPRO
ABSTRACT
Head-lice infestation, pediculosis capitis, remains a public-health burden in many countries. The widely used first-line pediculicides and alternative treatments are often too costly for use in poor socio-economic settings. Ivermectin has been considered an alternate treatment for field practice. This study was composed of 2 parts, a cross-sectional survey and an intervention study. The main objectives were to determine the prevalence and potential factors associated with head-lice infestation, and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral ivermectin administration. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 890 villagers in rural areas along Thai-Myanmar border. Females with infestations were eligible for the intervention study, and 181 participated in the intervention study. A post-treatment survey was conducted to assess acceptance of ivermectin as a treatment choice. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and a generalized-estimation-equation model adjusted for cluster effect. The study revealed the prevalence of head-lice infestation was 50% among females and only 3% among males. Age stratification showed a high prevalence among females aged <20 years, and among 50% of female school-children. The prevalence was persistent among those with a history of infestation. The major risk factors were residing in a setting with other infected cases, and sharing a hair comb. The study also confirmed that ivermectin was safe and effective for field-based practice. It was considered a preferable treatment option. In conclusion, behavior-change communication should be implemented to reduce the observed high prevalence of head-lice infestation. Ivermectin may be an alternative choice for head-lice treatment, especially in remote areas.
Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
WPRIM
Main subject:
Lice Infestations
/
Pediculus
/
Thailand
/
Ivermectin
/
Rural Health
/
Prevalence
/
Cross-Sectional Studies
/
Risk Factors
/
Statistics as Topic
/
Comb and Wattles
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
The Korean Journal of Parasitology
Year:
2019
Type:
Article