Association of Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale and Risk Factors in Adolescence Pediculosis Capitis in Two Public Boarding Schools, West Java

Abstract

Background: Pediculosis capitis is a scalp infestation by pediculus humanis capitis which can be found all over the world, and most commonly affects children aged 3-12 years. Pruritus is the main symptom caused by sensitization to the saliva components injected by the lice into the scalp. Generally, it takes 2 to 6 weeks for pruritus to develop with the first infestation. Atopic conditions may also increase the severity of scalp pruritus. In addition, similar complaints in family and roommates are potential risk factors in developing pediculosis capitis. Methods: This study aimed to assess the pruritus severity using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and its association with several risk factors that might affect the pruritus degree in adolescence pediculosis capitis. This is an analytic descriptive study using cross-sectional design in two public boarding schools, West Java, during September 2018 – March 2019. Results: We identified 357 (311 females, 46 males) students diagnosed with pediculosis capitis among a total of 713 students. The age range of the subjects were 11-18 years, with an average 13.8 years (SD 1.5357). The mean pruritus VAS was 3.9 (SD 1.93). Significant association were found between pruritus VAS and onset of disease (p= 0.0149), previous history of similar complaint (p= 0.02049), and family history of pediculosis capitis (p= 0.02849). Conclusions: In conclusion, the majority of students with pediculosis capitis suffered from moderate pruritus. Onset of disease was associated with pruritus severity, consistent with the pruritus pathogenesis of pediculosis capitis, while the other associated risk factors need further investigation.