RESUMEN
Introducción: La Pediculosis es una ectoparasitosis que ha recibido poca atención en el norte de Chile, a pesar de que es recurrente en la población infantil escolar. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de Pediculus humanus capitis, en la población escolar básica de la Provincia de Arica. Pacientes y Método: Se estudió un grupo de 665 alumnos de enseñanza básica del sistema municipalizado, de la Provincia de Arica, durante agosto a noviembre de 2010. Se seleccionaron 467 niños que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Previo consentimiento informado de los alumnos y apoderados, el diagnóstico se llevó a cabo a través de la revisión a ojo descubierto de la cabeza de los escolares participantes, en dependencias de cada establecimiento, registrando la presencia de Pediculus humanus capitis, grado de infestación y estadio del ectoparásito. Resultados: De la población analizada, el 40,3 por ciento (188/467) presentó Pediculosis, afectando a las seis escuelas estudiadas. Las mujeres presentaron Pediculosis en un 55,2 por ciento (138/250) y los hombres un 23 por ciento (50/217). Conclusión: La población escolar de la Provincia de Arica está significativamente afectada por Pediculosis y su prevalencia es similar a otras regiones del país.
Pediculosis is an ectoparasitosis infestation that has not received much attention in northern Chile despite it is a common reoccurring condition among school-age children. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation in elementary schools of Arica. Patients and Method: A group of 665 elementary school students from the Province of Arica were screened between August and November 2010; 467 children who met the inclusion criteria were selected. After parents and students signed an informed consent, the diagnosis was carried out through examination of the head with naked eye in each participating school, recording the presence of Pediculus humanus capitis, infestation level and parasite stage. Results: 40.3 percent (188) of the children presented Pediculosis; the six schools studied were affected. Pediculosis infestation in girls reached 55.2 percent (138/250) and 23 percent (50/217) in boys. Conclusion: The school population of Arica is significantly affected by Pediculosis and its prevalence is similar to other regions.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Infestaciones por Piojos/epidemiología , Factores de Edad , Factores Culturales , Chile/epidemiología , Recolección de Datos , Geografía , Prevalencia , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Distribución por SexoRESUMEN
UNLABELLED: Pediculosis is an ectoparasitosis infestation that has not received much attention in northern Chile despite it is a common reoccurring condition among school-age children. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation in elementary schools of Arica. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A group of 665 elementary school students from the Province of Arica were screened between August and November 2010; 467 children who met the inclusion criteria were selected. After parents and students signed an informed consent, the diagnosis was carried out through examination of the head with naked eye in each participating school, recording the presence of Pediculus humanus capitis, infestation level and parasite stage. RESULTS: 40.3% (188) of the children presented Pediculosis; the six schools studied were affected. Pediculosis infestation in girls reached 55.2% (138/250) and 23% (50/217) in boys. CONCLUSION: The school population of Arica is significantly affected by Pediculosis and its prevalence is similar to other regions.