Head lice among Iranian elementary school children: A systematic review

Head lice are considered as mandatory ectoparasites living on human head hair, which are transmitted to others through direct physical contact. This disease is mostly seen among children. In this review study, search was conducted among all studies performed in the past 20 years and studies were selected and reviewed. Contributing factors like location, study year, etc. were analyzed to procure a national management guideline. The finding of the present study showed that age, gender, parents education, parents job, family size, and presence of health inspector at schools were of statistical positive significance. However, hair type, hair length, dandruff, woven hair, and hair oil application showed no effect on head lice infestation. Head lice could be managed significantly regarding educational health and personal and public principles, especially regarding head lice biology and epidemiology to students, teachers, and parents.