The incidence of the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) among pupils of two schools in Accra

Abstract

Of 319 pupils examined by visual inspection for head lice in two large schools of contrasting socioeconomic environments in Accra, Ghana, 158 were found to be infected, with infection rates being higher in the school of lower socio-economic status. Younger pupils (7 years) had significantly lower infection rates than older one (11 years). Hair plaiting, communal use of toilet facilities and crowding have been found to be involved in the epidemiology of the head louse. A curious discrepancy was found between the number of pupils who admitted they had lice and those who actually had them. Relative intensities of infestation remain very low in 75% of the cases examined. Mothers have been found to exhibit a high sense of responsibility in treating their children. A call has been extended to the Health Authorities to initiate a national delousing programme for the control of this ectoparasite.