Why are head lice so common in Polish schools, and who's in the dark about it?

Pediculosis capitis, a global health concern, remains neglected due to the absence of screening programs, leading to delayed treatment. This study focuses on the prevalence of pediculosis capitis in Polish primary schools and identifies contributing factors. Data collection involved questionnaires for school children and managers. Students provided insights into the epidemiology of head lice and expressed opinions on hygiene among infested individuals. Meanwhile, school directors reported on head lice occurrences, preventive measures, and institutional support. The study spanned from 2014 to 2018 and revealed that 87.5% of schools reported cases of pediculosis capitis. The highest incidence occurred among 6-9 year-olds (68%). Surprisingly, 16.7% of 4,970 children surveyed had no knowledge of head lice, but 57.1% expressed a desire to increase their awareness of the issue. Lice awareness campaigns were mostly initiated in response to outbreaks, and institutional support was lacking for most schools. The findings underscore the importance of implementing screening programs and educational campaigns to control pediculosis capitis in Poland.