The infuence of head lice (pediculus humanus capitis) infestation to nutritional status and anemia occurence on female elementary school students

Abstract

Infestation of head lice is obligate ectoparasite infestation, Pediculus humanus capitis in the form of eggs, nymphs, or adult fleas on the skin and hair of head. The disease is quite high especially on school-aged children in Indonesia. This ectoparasite can harm the host it occupies because it can suck blood and may cause anemia in infestations for a long time. This study aimed to determine the influences of head lice infestation (Pediculus humanus capitis) to nutritional status and anemia occurences of schoolgirl grade school in the Abeli Subdistrict coastal area, Kendari City. The research was an observational analytic study using cross sectional approach. The samples were 150 samples that selected by proportional stratified random sampling. Data obtained by measurements of height and weight to find the magnitude of Body Mass Indeks (BMI). The data were gained by using hemoglobin testing system quick check set for anemia assessment and either manually or instrumentally direct for lice assessment. The gained data results were processed by chi square, contingency coefficient, and Prevalence Odds Ratio (POR) statistic test. The result showed, that was no influences of head lice infestation to nutritional status p-value = 0.470, (r = 0,204, POR = 1,54;95% CI = 0.616-3.886). That was a significant correlation between head lice infestation to anemia occurence, p = 0.021 (r = 0.204, POR = 2.564; 95% CI = 1,043-6302). The conclusion of this study was head louse infestation has no risk factors to nutritional status. While, head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation correlated as risk factor for anemia on female elementary school students in coastal area.