Risk Factors for Pediculosis Capitis Infestation in Indonesia

Abstract

Pediculosis capitis is an infection of the scalp or hair caused by infestation with the ectoparasitic species Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice). Pediculosis in humans remains a public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide; therefore, head lice and body lice constitute distinct concerns with different genotypes and ecotypes. The prevalence of head lice infestation is significantly associated with numerous risk factors, including sociodemographic characteristics, personal hygiene practices, socioeconomic status, educational level, behavioral and environmental factors, in addition to host-related factors. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of hair length, personal hygiene, and sex in relation to Pediculosis capitis infestation. This study employed a meta-analysis, a statistical method that quantitatively synthesizes results from multiple studies by estimating pooled effect sizes, using JASP software version 0.16.4.0. Data sources included Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and PubMed. Following screening based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 29 eligible research articles were included. Secondary data from the meta-analysis indicated that hair length (pooled OR = 2.225; 95% CI: 0.61–0.99), personal hygiene (pooled OR = 1.915; 95% CI: 0.44–0.86), and sex (pooled OR = 2.611; 95% CI: 0.68–1.24) were significantly associated with Pediculosis capitis infestation. The meta-analysis concluded that sex represented the highest risk factor for Pediculosis capitis infestation, while personal hygiene showed the lowest risk. Health education, along with personal hygiene promotion and improved environmental sanitation programs, is required to enhance public awareness and attitudes toward the prevention and control of head lice infestation.