A survey of head lice infestation among day care pupil in selected day care centers in Subangdaku, Mandaue City: Basis for awareness.

       This is a descriptive study which is aimed to show the infestation level of head lice among day care pupils in selected day care centers in Subangdaku, Mandaue City as basis for awareness. This study also focused on the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of age, sex, economic status, family background and personal hygiene of further aimed to determine whether the day care pupils are infested or not infested with head lice and also to create awareness as to its danger among parents and teachers and remind them regarding head lice infestation. The research used a self-prepared questionnaire for gathering data from the respondents of the selected 4 day care centres of Subangdaku, Mandaue City. The data were processed and the results were presented using frequency and distribution tables which includes age, number of members in the family, and monthly income.

       The prevalence of head lice infestation among the children in the day care centre was found to be 28.9%. From the survey done in day care centre the age of children ranged between 3 and 6, age 5 had the highest population of 51 %. The percentage of girls in day care is higher with 54.1 % and 45.3 % are boys. The mean monthly family income of children in day care is 8124.44 pesos. From the conducted study around 57.2 % share their comb,41.5 % share their hair clips and hair bands 52.9 share their bed of which 55.3 share blankets and pillows and 15.1 % share their accessories. 97.5 % of the pupil bath regularly and it was found that all the pupils take a bath at least once a day and 54.1 % of them have reported to shampoo their hair at least once a day. Only 27.7 % of the respondents are using oil on their hair. 50.9 % of the parents educate their children about head lice.86.2 % of the parents inspect their children's hair regularly for head lice infestation. Out of all the parents 79.9 % say yes to hair lice program in day care centre.

       Though the prevalence rate of head lice infestation in day care pupils, the researchers concluded it to be little high as compared averagely, as still is contagious. Prevention of infestation can be done by not sharing any accessories and to regular take a bath, cleanliness of the day care centres for a reduced infestation. It is recommended that a similar study should be done in another day care centres of Philippines.