None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Pediculosis capitis is a common condition caused by the infestation of the hair and scalp by Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse). Head-lice infestation is most frequent in children aged 3–10, that is the primary school age children and their families. Approximately 3% of school children in the United States contract head lice. In Malaysia, a study by Bachok N. done in 2004 among primary school children in Kelantan showed that the prevalence of head lice infestation was 35.0%. Even though head lice infestation does not cause significant health problems, it can cause other physical, psychological and economic impacts. For instance, head lice can cause scalp itchiness leading to disturbed sleep. The children who have impaired and insufficient sleep at night might have difficulty to concentrate in the classrooms. Intense itching might cause injury to the scalp leading to bacterial infection. They might also feel embarrassed and have reduced self-esteem whenever their friends know about them having head lice infestation. The children might have been teased for not being hygienic even though poor hygiene is not the cause of head lice infestation. Psychological impact can also be seen among the caretakers due to frustration in managing recurrent head lice infestation. The treatment of head lice may require several visits to the primary care centers or direct buying of the head lice shampoo from the pharmacy. The cost involved in treating head lice might cause significant economic impact to the family. There are many factors associated with the occurrence of pediculosis capitis. Some of the socio-demographic factors identified are the age, gender, household income and level of parent’s education. On the other hand, there are several individual characteristics that contribute to the occurrence of pediculosis capitis such as hygiene practice, hair length and hair type. Direct head-to-head contact is the main factor of transmission. This can be caused by sharing head gears (caps, tudung), hair brush, pillows or towels. It can also be caused by closeness in physical contact when the children play together, or in a crowded house or classrooms. Pediculicides are substances used to treat head lice. There are many pediculicides being sold in the pharmacy and easily accessible for the treatment of head lice. However, re-infestation may still occur if the children are still exposed to the risk factors of head lice infestation such as sharing comb and being in close distance with other people who are infested with head lice. Therefore, it is important to provide health education for the students and family members so that the risk of infestation and re-infestation can be lowered. The study is conducted to determine the number of primary school students in Hulu Langat district who are infested with head lice and to identify the risk factors. This research is also to study the effectiveness of health education in the management of head lice.
Interventions
All the children with head lice in both control and intervention groups will be treated with pediculicide. The pediculicide that will be used is "Lice Clear" by Apex Pharma (Malaysia). It contains 4% Dimeticone, packed in a 75ml bottle. A plastic lice comb is also included in the packaging. They will applpy the pediculicide 2 times, 7 days apart. Methods of application is available in a printed form and will be supplied to all the students with head lice.
On top of the application of pediculi
All the children with head lice in both control and intervention groups will be treated with pediculicide. The pediculicide that will be used is "Lice Clear" by Apex Pharma (Malaysia). It contains 4% Dimeticone, packed in a 75ml bottle. A plastic lice comb is also included in the packaging. They will applpy the pediculicide 2 times, 7 days apart. Methods of application is available in a printed form and will be supplied to all the students with head lice. On top of the application of pediculicide, the intervention group will be given health education on Head lice infestation, prevention, and management. The intervention is formulated based on the pilot study that was conducted on the knowledge, attitude and practices associated with Pediculosis capitis infestation and reinfestation among the primary school children in Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia. The intervention is aimed to: i) improve knowledge of the students on Pediculosis capitis infestation particularly on identifying the head lice, recognizing the symptoms of infestation, diagnosis, prevention and management. ii) encourage good behavior in preventing Pediculosis capitis infestation and reinfestation. iii) instill good practices in the prevention and management of Pediculosis capitis infestation and reinfestation. The intervention group receives the health education module whereas the control group is waitlisted and receives the similar health intervention module when the study period of the intervention group has been completed (after 6 weeks from the first visit by the researcher). Contamination between the intervention and control groups is limited and controlled. This will be achieved via limiting interaction of the respondents by selecting two schools that are apart. The health education module will consist of the followings: a) One session of health talk, approximately 45minutes of health talk and 30 minutes of Q&A session. The health talk will be delivered by the researcher, a doctor who holds a master degree in Public Health (MPH). The health talk will be given in the schools. It is intended for all students, especially for those with head lice intervention. However, the teachers or parents are also welcomed to attend. b) Printed brochures on head lice management and prevention for each student to be brought home. The printed materials will also be made available on the school notice board and Health Room. c) Focus Group Discussion on head lice management and prevention for students with head lice at the time of inspection. Each session is allocated for each school in the intervention group. Each session will last for approximately 2 hours. The students will be assessed on their knowledge, attitude, and practices in the management and prevention of head lice. They will be encouraged to share their difficulty, concern, and challenges in dealing with head lice infestation. Appropriate advice will be given accordingly.
Sponsors
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
10 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. All standard four and five students in the selected government primary schools in Hulu Langat district with Pediculosis capitis infestation. 2. Consented by the parents or caregivers and the students to participate in this study. 3. The student was available throughout the whole duration of data collection.
Exclusion criteria
1. The students who were attending special education classes. 2. Participation in another clinical study within one month before entry to this study. 3. Usage of any pediculicide at the time of data collection or for the whole or partial duration of one month prior to the data collection. 4. Active scalp infection or scalp lesions such as psoariasis or eczema. 5. Allergic to any ingredient of the pediculicide based on the information provided by the parents.
Outcome results
None listed