Head lice predictors and infestation dynamics among primary school children in Norway.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Health providers need to know which measures to take and children to prioritize in order to decrease costs associated with head lice infestations.

Objective

Our aim was to determine the most important predictors for head lice and identify the major drivers of an infestation outbreak in a low-prevalence area.

Methods

The study was based on three datasets of head lice prevalence (retrospective, point prevalence and prospective approach) from primary school children (ages 6-12) at 12 schools in Oslo, Norway. The tested predictors were siblings with lice, individual and household characteristics as well as class and school affiliation. Self-reported monthly incidences (prospective approach) of head lice were used to evaluate infestation dynamics.

Results

SUBMITTER: Birkemoe T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4717868 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature