Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse) infestation is a common problem in school aged children. A cross-sectional study done in AL-Alam village in Salahadin Province in 2002 aimed to estimate the incidence of Pediculus capitis among primary school children of age ranging between 7-14 years.
The study showed that out of 170 children 36 (21.2 %) were infested with Pediculus capitis. Higher proportion of infestation was found among female. Infestation among younger children (7-8 years) was very high (40.3 %) in comparison to other age groups. Also, higher proportion of infestation was found among children lived in large families and whom parent’s educational levels were low (illiterate). It has been concluded that Pediculus capitis infestation is more common among younger children with poor personal hygiene and among longhaired children in this rural area.