RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pediculosis capitis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that receives little attention in countries where it continues to be endemic. This study aimed to understand the impact of Pediculus humanus capitis infestations in the lives of Honduran children living in extreme poverty. METHODS: A qualitative study on head lice infestation was conducted in June 2016 in a rural community in Honduras. Parents were invited to bring their children for head lice inspection using a dry-combing technique with a stainless steel-toothed comb with suction power. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to participants. Questions were broadly grouped into knowledge about transmission, control practices, barriers to treatment, and the overall impact of these infestations in children's wellbeing. Responses were coded, categorized, and organized through a theme-based approach. RESULTS: In total, 52 children aged 2-14 years (42 girls) and their mothers were enrolled in the study. The overall proportion of children with an infestation was 83%. Response analysis revealed a lack of understanding regarding lice transmission and stigmatization of infested children and the widespread belief that head lice were acquired during bathing in the slow-flowing river running through the village. An agricultural plaguicide was commonly used to rid children of head lice. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the dire situation of the rural poor, their physical and mental health affected by pediculosis capitis as well as other NTDs. These results highlight the need to reassess approaches and action towards combating NTDS under an integrated framework.
Assuntos
Infestações por Piolhos/epidemiologia , Doenças Negligenciadas/epidemiologia , Pediculus , Dermatoses do Couro Cabeludo/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Países em Desenvolvimento/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Honduras/epidemiologia , Humanos , Infestações por Piolhos/psicologia , Infestações por Piolhos/terapia , Masculino , Doenças Negligenciadas/psicologia , Doenças Negligenciadas/terapia , Pobreza , População Rural/estatística & dados numéricos , Dermatoses do Couro Cabeludo/psicologia , Dermatoses do Couro Cabeludo/terapiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Head lice constitute a problem in children. Each year, numerous cases of pediculosis occur worldwide. Little work has been performed to evaluate the understanding, opinions, and actions of populations regarding head lice. These areas are important as they enable clinicians and educators to alert parents on how to avoid treatments that are innocuous or of high risk to patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed by interviewing the heads of households of 100 randomly chosen residences within the study area. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that 13% were infested during the first week of the survey, and 86% in the 24 weeks prior to the study. The number of positive cases increased with increasing resident number, and decreased in families with parents with a higher educational level. Itching was the principal clinical manifestation and caused sleep compromise in 65% of respondents. Innocuous and unhealthy practices to combat infestation, such as the use of inflammables and home insecticides, were common. CONCLUSION: The results showed that certain beliefs generated worry and confusion in parents, who blamed head lice as the cause of various health problems which were not due to this insect.