Parasites, Hosts and Diseases

The Korea Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (대한기생충학·열대의학회)
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Prevalence of head louse infestation among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea: nationwide observation of trends in 2011-2019

  • Seungwan Ryoo (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Sooji Hong (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Taehee Chang (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Hyejoo Shin (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Jae Young Park (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Jeonggyu Lee (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Eun-Hee Nah (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Eun Hee Lee (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Bong-Kwang Jung (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion) ;
  • Jong-Yil Chai (MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion)
  • Received : 2022.09.23
  • Accepted : 2023.01.08
  • Published : 2023.02.28
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Abstract

Head louse infestation is a significant public health problem across the world, particularly among preschool and primary schoolchildren. This study investigated the trends of head louse infestation in the Republic of Korea over a 9-year period (2011-2019), targeting primary schoolchildren in 3 areas of Seoul, 4 other large cities, and 9 provinces. A survey was administered annually by the health staff of each regional office (n= 16) of the Korea Association of Health Promotion (KAHP). The branch offices of KAHP examined a total of 51,508 primary schoolchildren, comprising 26,532 boys and 24,976 girls. Over the 9-year survey, a total of 1,107 (2.1%) schoolchildren tested positive for adults and/or nits of Pediculus humanus capitis. The prevalence was 2.8% (133/4,727) in 2011-2012 and gradually decreased to 0.8% (49/6,461) in 2019 (P< 0.05). Head lice were found more frequently in girls (3.0%; 746/24,976) than in boys (1.4%; 361/26,532) (P< 0.05). In terms of geographic localities, the highest infestation rate, 4.7% (average prevalence over 9 years), was observed in southern Seoul (Gangnam branch of KAHP), whereas the lowest infestation rate, 0.7%, was seen in Gyeongsang (north and south provinces) and western Seoul. Although the prevalence decreased significantly during the 9-year period, head louse infestation remains a health and hygiene issue among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea. Regular surveys along with health education are needed to further improve children's hair hygiene.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank all schoolchildren who participated in this study and their parents, guardians, and directors of schools who kindly consented to this study. We are also grateful to the staff of regional offices of the KAHP who visited the schools and helped with the detection of head louse infestations.

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