scholarly journals Prevalence of Pediculosis and Its Predictors among Urban Primary School Children in Kuantan, Pahang

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rusyaidi Azali ◽  
Nor Faiza Mohd Tohit ◽  
Razman Mohd Rus

Introduction: Pediculosis capitis among primary school children is always known as the problem of the lower socio-economic class and rural communities. It carries significant consequences to the school children and caregivers. Limited studies have been conducted among the urban populations. Thus, this study aims to investigate the prevalence and predictors of Pediculosis capitis among Urban primary school children in Kuantan. Materials and method: An analytical cross-sectional study using cluster random sampling was carried out in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. A selfadministered validated questionnaire was issued to the participants with purpose to collect socio-demographic data related to age, gender and factors that associated with head lice infestations among primary school children from standard one to six. It was then followed by hair and scalp examination by a well-trained examiners to check the infestation status. The results were analyzed using the chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1347 students from 5 schools  were included in this study. Majority of them were males (53.6%), Malays (61.0%), household income between RM1000-RM2999 (32.1%). The overall prevalence was 9.1% (n=122). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors for pediculosis capitis were female gender (OR= 6.02, 95% CI= 2.97-12.21), Indian ethnicity (OR= 5.55 , 95% CI=3.26-9.45), sibling of more than 5 (OR= 2.72 , 95% CI=1.04-7.12) and contact with infested person (OR=2.42, 95% CI=1.58-3.71). Conclusion: The prevalence of Pediculosis capitis among urban primary school children in Kuantan, Pahang is endemic (9.1%) and predictors are female genders, Indian ethnicity, having siblings of more than 5 and contact with infested person. Hence, preventive measures are necessary to reduce the transmission of head lice among school children.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Nur Madihah Che Rozela ◽  
Nor Faiza Mohd Tohit ◽  
Razman Mohd Rus

Introduction: Pediculosis capitis  among primary school children is a worldwide problem which carries significant consequences among the school children and caregivers. Despite causing significant health problem which needs to be intervened, only few studies were conducted in Malaysia and there is no previous study conducted in Pahang. Thus, this study aims to investigate the determinants  of prevalence of Pediculosis capitis  among primary school children in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Materials and method: An analytical cross-sectional study using cluster random sampling of primary schools was carried out in Kuantan. Selfadministered validated questionnaire was used followed by hair and scalp examination. Multivariate logistics was done to determine the predictors and to control for confounding effect. Results: The overall median age of the 1,365 respondents was 8.0 years. Majority of them were males (53.41%), Malays (60.29%), household income between RM1000-RM2999 (31.87%) and from urban school location (98.68%). The overall prevalence of Pediculosis capitis  was 9.6% (n=131). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female (Odds ratio (OR)=8.571, 95% Confidence interval (CI)=5.024-14.620), Indian (OR = 5.560, 95% CI=3.3849.136), those who had number of siblings more than five (OR = 2.644, 95% CI=1.0446.700), history of contact with infested person (OR=2.445, 95% CI=1.619-3.691) and urban school location (OR=0.030, 95% CI=0.284-0.091) were predictors for  Pediculosis capitis. Conclusion: The prevalence of  Pediculosis capitis  among primary school children in Kuantan, Pahang is endemic(9.6%) and predictors are female, Indian, having siblings of more than 5 and contact with infested person. Hence, preventive measures are necessary to reduce the transmission of head lice among school children.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T1) ◽  
pp. 158-166
Author(s):  
Ammal M. Metwally ◽  
Fatma A. Shaaban ◽  
Walaa S. Mahmoud ◽  
Ebtissam M. Salah ◽  
Marwa M. El-Sonbaty ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, overweight among children becomes an alarming problem and a health concern. Obesity is a factor in disease severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) having the greatest impact on patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight in some of the Egyptian governmental primary school children, its nutritional and socioeconomic determinants. Special focus was directed to identify the current dietary practices including risky nutritional habits of overweight children as a weak point leading to increasing their vulnerability to catching COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on primary school children aged 6–12 years. General demographic data, socioeconomic data, dietary pattern, intake of a diversity of nutrient-rich food versus calorie-dense food, and anthropometrical data were collected. RESULTS: Of 1600 child, there were 8% overweight who are considered at risk of COVID-19 infection. Considering the weekly share of the stomach, only one-third of the food consumed by overweight children is nutrient-rich, with high consumption of French fries and Candies (once per day among 95% and 78 % of overweight children, respectively). Moreover, 90% of them consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) more than once per day. The majority of overweight children belonged to small, middle- income families, and had illiterate or read and write mothers. CONCLUSION: Overweight children eat narrow diversity of nutrient-rich food that includes vegetables, fruits, protein, and dairy products. They eat more calorie-dense foods, every day. The increase of family income increased the likelihood of having overweight children with a high intake of SSB, candies, and chips; consumption of snacks between meals and before sleep. Protective predictors against overweight were highly educated mothers, taking breakfast before school, having dinner, and taking meals on time. RECOMMENDATION: Nutritional behavioral education aiming at choosing nutritious and varied options of food that is effective for improving children’s nutritional status is the key to decreasing vulnerability toward COVID 19.


QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M M Magdi ◽  
N A Kotb ◽  
U M Elbarrany ◽  
H S Ramadan ◽  
M A Mowafy

Abstract Background Parents have often showed their interest in the tooth eruption timing. However, the literature suggests that tooth emergence standards should be derived from the population they are to be applied because emergence related factors may vary considerably in dentition. Timing of teeth emergence differs from population to population and can be affected by genetic and environmental factors. Both ethnic origin and gender can be attributed to genetic factors. Objectives The purpose of the present study was to find out the statistical correlation between age, sex and stature to eruption of permanent teeth in a sample of primary school children age (6-<13 years). Methodology: The present study was a cross sectional study that was conducted on 700 healthy school children aged 6 – <13 years selected from different primary schools in two governorates in Egypt; Behera governorate and Giza governorate. Assessment of age, sex and stature was performed through socio – demographic data, anthropometric measures and sequence of permanent teeth eruption. Results The first molars, central incisors, upper lateral incisors, lower canines, second premolars and second molars erupted earlier in Behera (Rural) children. The mandibular teeth tended to precede the maxillary teeth. In Giza (urban) children most of the teeth erupted earlier in girls. In Behera (Rural) children most of the teeth erupted earlier in boys. Conclusion Most of teeth erupted earlier in Behera (rural) and the majority erupted earlier in girls in Giza (urban) and in boys in Behera (rural).


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Faiza Mohd Tohit ◽  
Razman Mohd Rus ◽  
Najhan Anis Zulkifly

Introduction:  Pediculosis capitis  is a worldwide problem which carries significant consequences among the school children and caregivers. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and predictors of Pediculosis capitis  among primary school children in Kuantan, Pahang. Materials and method: An analytical crosssectional study using two-stage cluster random sampling was carried out among 1,365 primary school children in seven schools in Kuantan, Pahang. A selfadministered validated questionnaire was used followed by hair and scalp examination. Results: The median age of the respondents was 8.0 years. Majority of them were males (53.41%), Malays (60.29%), household income between RM1000RM2999 (31.87%) and from urban school location (98.68%). The overall prevalence of  Pediculosis capitis  was 9.6% (n=131). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that predictors for  Pediculosis capitis  were female (Odds ratio (OR)=8.571, 95% Confidence interval (CI)=5.024-14.620), Indian (OR=5.560, 95% CI=3.384-9.136), those with siblings more than five (OR=2.644, 95% CI=1.044-6.700), history of contact with infested person (OR=2.445, 95% CI=1.619-3.691) and urban school location (OR=0.030, 95% CI=0.284-0.091). Conclusion:  Pediculosis capitis  is a common public health problem affecting primary schoolchildren in Kuantan, Pahang and those levels are of epidemic importance. Hence, preventive measures are necessary to reduce the transmission of head lice among school children.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Aqlan Mohd Zaki ◽  
Nor Faiza Mohd Tohit ◽  
Razman Mohd Rus

Introduction: Pediculosis capitis  among primary school children is a global problem which poses significant consequences among school children and caregivers alike. Previous studies showed an association between pediculosis capitis and sociodemographic factors such as school location, age, gender, ethnicity, parental education, monthly household income, number of siblings and number of family members. Primary schools in Malaysia consist of National School and National-type school (Chinese) and (Tamil), all of which have different sociodemographic backgrounds. Thus, this study aims to investigate and compare the prevalence of  pediculosis capitis  among children of different types of primary school in Kuantan to properly plan for future intervention.  Materials and method:  An analytical crosssectional study using stratified random sampling was carried out. The schools were stratified according to their types. Number of respondents from each school was determined by proportionate-to-size. Respondents from standard one to six were given self-administered validated questionnaire. Then, their hair and scalp were examined for the evidence of  pediculosis capitis. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics.  Results:  There were 1,365 respondents involved in this study; consisting of students from National Schools (n=791), Chinese Schools (n=424) and Tamil  Schools  (n=150). The overall median age was 8.0 years. Majority of them were males (53.41%), of Malays ethnicity (60.29%), with household income between RM1000-RM2999 (31.87%) and from urban school location (98.68%). The overall prevalence of  pediculosis capitis  was 9.6% (n=131). The prevalence of  pediculosis capitis  among the selected schools was found to be the highest in National-type school (Tamil) at 33.33% (n=50), followed by National School at 7.33% (n=58) and National-type school (Chinese) at 5.42% (n=23). Conclusion: Pediculosis capitis  showed an endemicity in all types of primary schools. Hence, preventive measures are necessary to reduce the transmission of head lice among school children.


2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Sepehri ◽  
Zahra Jafari

Background: Pediculosis capitis or head lice infestation is one of the most critical public health problems, primarily involving primary school children. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Pediculus capitis contamination among primary school students in the villages of Varzaqan city, East Azerbaijan province, Iran, in 2020. Methods: Overall, 400 primary school students aged 7 - 12 were selected through convenience sampling. First, a demographic checklist was filled out for each participant, and then hair examination was carried out individually and privately to detect head lice or eggs/nits. The data analysis was performed using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and analytical methods, including chi-square and t-tests (SPSS, version 16). A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of 400 students, 41 (10.3%) were infested with P. capitis. The prevalence rate significantly differed between boys (6.2%) and girls (14.8%). There was a significant association between pediculosis and mother’s education, father’s job, family income, history of infestation, number of combs per day, and frequency of hair washing per week. Conclusions: According to the prevalence of head lice in primary school children, we need to increase the awareness and train children, parents, and teachers through further cross-sectoral cooperation between education and health centers. Also, the presence of a hygiene teacher at school to improve the health status of students can significantly reduce the prevalence of pediculosis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 104-107
Author(s):  
OO Osadolor ◽  
◽  
CE Iwuoha ◽  

Background: The purpose of using tooth cleaning aids like chewing stick, toothbrush with locally made powder or fluoride containing toothpaste, is to attain good oral hygiene compatible with good oral health. Aim: To determine the oral hygiene status of public primary school children in a rural community in South-east Nigeria. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study of primary school children was done in a public primary school in Nkanu -West local Government Area of Enugu State. Ethical clearance for this study was sought and obtained, all participants who gave their assent were recruited. Socio-demographic data was obtained using interviewer -administered questionnaire. Oral hygiene status was determined using simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). After data collection, oral hygiene education and tooth brushing demonstrations were done. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. P values < 0.05 were accepted as being statistically significant. Results: 57(46.3%) males, 66(53.7%) females were seen and examined, giving a male to female ratio of about 1:1.2. The age range of the participants was 8 to 14 years with a mean age of 10.2 ± 1.4 years. The mean OHI-S score was 1.5 ± 0.4. 80 (65.0%) had fair oral hygiene, 41(33.3%) had good oral hygiene while 2(1.7%) had poor oral hygiene status. Majority of the school children brush their teeth once daily, using the horizontal scrub technique. Conclusion: In this study, most of the school children had fair oral hygiene status. Good oral hygiene status was seen more among 9-10 year old children, while fair oral hygiene status was seen more among 10-11 year children. The association between oral hygiene status with age or gender was not statistically significant.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-19
Author(s):  
Osadolor O O

Background: Gingival status is a part of periodontal health. Periodontal health may be defined as absence of gingivitis, periodontitis or other periodontal conditions. Objective: To assess the gingival health status of 11 year old primary school children in a rural community in south -east Nigeria Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study of 11 year old primary school children was done in a public primary school in Nkanu -West local Government Area of Enugu State. Ethical clearance for this study was sought and obtained. Socio-demographic data was obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Gingival examination was done by a single examiner (k= 0.76), intra examiner calibration (five children per session) was done prior to data collection, The gingival status was assessed according to the gingival index of Loe and Silness. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 20. P values < 0.05 were accepted as being statistically significant Results: 22 (46.3%) females, 28(53.7%) males were seen and examined, giving a female to male ratio of about 1:1.3. 2(4 %) had healthy gingiva, 47(94 %) had mild gingivitis , 1(2 %) had moderate gingivitis and none of the participants had severe gingivitis. Mild gingivitis were seen more in males than females. Majority of the school children duration of tooth brushing was about two minutes. Conclusion: Gingival status is a part of periodontal health. In this study, gingivitis were seen more in males than females, only marginal gingivitis were seen among the school children and none had severe gingivitis. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2021; 11 (1): 16-19


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. e28-e34
Author(s):  
Kevin B. Edem ◽  
Enobong E. Ikpeme ◽  
Mkpouto U. Akpan

AbstractSurveillance of the carrier state for β-hemolytic streptococcal (BHS) throat infections remains essential for disease control. Recent published works from Sub-Saharan Africa have suggested a changing epidemiology in the burden of BHS throat infections. The objective of the present study was therefore to determine the prevalence and pattern of BHS throat carriage in school-aged children in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 276 primary school children in Uyo. Subjects were recruited by multistage random sampling. Obtained throat swabs were cultured on 5% sheep blood agar. Lancefield grouping on positive cultures was done by using the Oxoid Streptococcal Grouping Latex Agglutination Kit, United Kingdom. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done with the disk diffusion method. Associations were tested with Fischer's exact test. The prevalence of BHS carriage was 3.3%. Group C Streptococcus was identified in 89% of isolates and Group G Streptococcus in 11%. Younger age and larger household size were associated with asymptomatic streptococcal throat infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility was highest with cefuroxime and clindamycin (89% of isolates each), while 78% of isolates were susceptible to penicillin. None of the tested isolates was susceptible to co-trimoxazole. The prevalence of streptococcal throat carriage in the study area was low. There were no Group A Streptococcus isolates suggesting an evolving epidemiology of BHS disease in the study area.


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