Scalp Pruritus Measurement using Visual Analog Scale and 5-D Itch Scale in Children with Pediculosis Capitis

Abstract

Background: Pediculosis capitis is a parasitic infestation that can cause scalp pruritus and quality of life disturbances. There are two objective measurements, visual analog scale (VAS) and 5-D itch scale which can be used to assess the quality of life affected by pruritus. Objective: To determine the relationship between two different pruritus scales and to establish validity of pruritus VAS scale in evaluating quality of life in children with pediculosis capitis. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in two boarding schools in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia in September 2018. The diagnosis of pediculosis capitis was made based on the findings of eggs, larva, or adult parasites on the scalp or in the hair. All eligible subjects were evaluated using both scales. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship of two categorical variables. The correlation coefficient between VAS and 5-D itch scale was calculated using Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: Among 357 students with pediculosis, female students were more likely to be infected than male students (POR = 3.4 (3.03–3.85), 333 students were able to complete the VAS scale and 312 students were able to complete the 5-D itch scale (P = 0.01). The correlation analysis showed that VAS scale was moderately correlated with 5-D scale in evaluating pruritus on pediculosis capitis patients (ρ = 0.52, P < 0.001). Conclusions: VAS scale is simple and valuable tool that can be used to assess the severity and quality of life in children affected with scalp pruritus.