Risk Factors Associated with Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis) Infestation in Children Aged 6−15 years in Relocation Housing for Tsunami Victims

Pediculosis capitis, or head lice infestation, is a significant public health concern in Indonesia. It is caused by the human lice species Pediculus humanus capitis. Pediculosis capitis primarily affects children and is considered one of the neglected diseases in Indonesia. The incidence rate of pediculosis in Indonesia is still limited. Nevertheless, several studies have demonstrated that the incidence rate of pediculosis in various regions of Indonesia is notably high, particularly among children. These study results require further investigation, as pediculosis frequently indicates poverty, poor health, and inadequate sanitation, which the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to alleviate through the inclusion of SDG 1, SDG 3, and SDG 6. This study aimed to assess the risk factors for pediculosis infestation in children aged 6 to 15 and selected a relocation site for the 2018 Sunda Strait Tsunami victims as the study location.

This study employed a cross-sectional research design to investigate the risk associated with pediculosis infestation in children aged 6−15 years residing in Kunjir Permanent Settlement (Huntap Kunjir), Lampung Province, Indonesia. The data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methodologies.

The results demonstrated that gender, personal hygiene, hair washing routine, habits of exchanging personal items, hair length, and hair type were statistically significantly related to the incidence of pediculosis (P-value <0.05).

The most significant factor linked to the occurrence of Pediculosis capitis is hair length.