Aspectos epidemiológicos da Pediculose em Hospital Público de Uberlândia-MG

Abstract

Pediculosis capitis is a public health problem not in the Brazil, but also in many countries worldwide. Epidemiological studies on this ectoparasitose provide relevant information contributing to the development / improvement of adequate prevention and control of this ectoparasitosis. The study objectives were to verify the prevalence of head lice on children attended at the public hospital in Uberlandia, Minas Gerais State, and factors associated with ectoparasitosis in this group. The overall prevalence rate was 11,34% in 282 children examined, with the female sex (16.5%), in the age group of 8 to 10 years (16.2%), with straight hair (18.5%), medium (15.7%) and long hair (18.5%), and high density (14.1%) presented higher prevalence rates. Regarding the socioeconomic condition, there was no association of this factor with the prevalence of pediculosis. The most used control methods were manual harvesting, use of fine comb and insecticides. The main symptom reported was intense itching of the scalp. Hair washing every day was the most commonly used hygienic practice.