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Dermatological Diseases and Infestations · Journal article
Scientific Reports · August 7, 2026
Early or partial results. Treat as a signal, not a conclusion.
This is a descriptive epidemiological survey of head lice notification records in Isfahan Province, Iran from 2017–2024. The study documents prevalence patterns, demographic and seasonal variation, and geographic heterogeneity, but does not test an intervention or establish causal mechanisms; it serves to characterize disease burden and identify high-burden populations for potential future action.
Retrospective population-based surveillance analysis. All confirmed head lice infestation cases registered in the national surveillance system in Isfahan Province, central Iran between 2017 and 2024.. n = 226,466. Isfahan Province, central Iran.
Total of 226,466 infestation episodes reported during 2017–2024 study period Overall reported prevalence was 6 per 1,000 population, with county-level rates ranging from 1 to 7 per 1,000 Prevalence substantially higher in females than males; greatest burden in children aged 6–12 years
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Clinicians and public health professionals in Isfahan Province and similar settings can use this surveillance data to understand the epidemiological profile of head lice and identify high-risk groups (females, school-aged children, specific geographic areas like Natanz County) for targeted screening and prevention efforts. The findings highlight the need for strengthened school-based control programs and resilient surveillance systems, but do not provide evidence for superior treatment approaches or intervention effectiveness.
A retrospective surveillance registry analysis describing epidemiology and prevalence patterns of head lice in a single Iranian province; descriptive and exploratory in nature with no intervention, control group, or causal claim.
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Quoted from the source exactly as published.
Clinicians and public health professionals in Isfahan Province and similar settings can use this surveillance data to understand the epidemiological profile of head lice and identify high-risk groups (females, school-aged children, specific geographic areas like Natanz County) for targeted screening and prevention efforts. The findings highlight the need for strengthened school-based control programs and resilient surveillance systems, but do not provide evidence for superior treatment approaches or intervention effectiveness.
Graded across the dimensions that decide whether you should act, each from what the source actually supports. There is no single score, and where a dimension was not assessed it says so.
This study aimed to describe the demographic, temporal, spatial, and treatment-related epidemiology of head lice ( Pediculosis capitis ) infestation in Isfahan Province, central Iran, using population-based surveillance data. A retrospective population-based analysis was conducted using routine pediculosis surveillance data recorded between 2017 and 2024. All confirmed cases registered in the national surveillance system were included. Information on age group, sex, nationality, residential area, reporting date, and prescribed treatment was analyzed. Prevalence rates were calculated as the number of reported cases per 1,000 population using annual county- and subgroup-specific population denominators. Temporal trends, seasonal variation, and subgroup differences were assessed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, and spatial patterns were examined using geographic information system (GIS) mapping. A total of 226,466 infestation episodes were reported during the study period. Prevalence was substantially higher in females than in males, and the greatest burden was observed among children aged 6–12 years. A clear seasonal pattern was identified, with peaks in autumn corresponding to the school calendar. Reported prevalence declined markedly in 2020, likely reflecting disruption of school-based screening, healthcare access, and surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased again thereafter. Spatial analysis showed marked heterogeneity across counties, with Natanz consistently representing the highest-burden area. Overall reported prevalence was 6 per 1,000 population, with county-level rates ranging from 1 to 7 per 1,000. Permethrin shampoo accounted for more than 90% of prescribed treatments. Head lice infestation remains a notable public health issue in Isfahan Province, with a disproportionate burden among females and school-aged children, clear seasonal peaks, and marked geographic heterogeneity. Population-standardized prevalence estimates identified persistent high-burden areas, particularly Natanz County, highlighting the need for targeted local interventions. Strengthening school-based control programs, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and maintaining resilient surveillance systems during public health disruptions may improve long-term control. However, the findings should be interpreted considering the limitations of surveillance-based data, including potential underreporting and lack of socioeconomic information.
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