The importance of socio-economic status and sex on the prevalence of human pediculosis in government schools children in Lahore, Pakistan

Objective: The present project was designed to study the effect of age, sex and socio-economic status on the prevalence of Pediculosis (Pediculus capitis). Methodology: A survey was conducted among 1-5 class children of five public sector schools located in Lahore, where most of the students belonged to middle and low income classes. After obtaining ethical clearance from the parents, school principals and students, 500 children of age . 7 years were examined both macroscopically and microscopically on first come first basis up to 100 children from each school. Results: Of 500 children (n=122 boys; n=378 girls), overall 387 (77.40%) while in girls 323 (85.45%) and in boys 64 (52.46%) were positive for Pediculosis. A higher prevalence was recorded in children of . 11 years as compared to above 11 years. The Pediculosis rates in Low, Middle and High socio-economic groups were 61.40%, 50.00% and 29.41% in boys whereas 95.48%, 81.90% and 60.31% in girls, respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded that age, sex and socio-economic status of society are important factors for the distribution of Pediculosis in developing countries like Pakistan.