New aspects concerning <i>Pediculus capitis</i> (Anoplura: Pedicullidae) infestation in Iran

Pediculosis caused by the Pediculus capitis (De Geer, 1767), is a major public health concern worldwide, including in Iran. Policymakers must be well-informed on the relevant evidence through comprehensive studies. No study has been done concerning trends of Pediculus capitis infestation in provinces of Iran, geographic and climatic regions, seasons, location of meridians and tropics areas, together with the distribution and stratification. Therefore, a study of the mentioned objectives was conducted. The data on P. capitis infestation levels and factor impacts on P. capitis infestation levels in Iranian people were extracted and summarized from 126 articles. The trends of P. capitis infestation have increased in about half of the country’s provinces over the previous two decades. These provinces are located mostly in the southern Caspian Sea shores, the central plateau, and the south coast. Pediculus capitis infestations are in the range of -ꝏ–-0.40, -0.40–-0.20, and -0.20–0.00 in the regression coefficient regarding the distribution and stratification. For the first time in this study, the impact of the meridians and the tropics that pass through Iran was also evaluated on P. capitis infestation. Based on the intensity of P. capitis infestation, the order of the influence of the factors that affect infestation is estimated. Interaction modeling demonstrated that primary school has a synergistic impact on time trends. In addition, the Western mountains, the central plateau, and the southeast showed synergistic effects with time trends on the incidence of the outcome. The findings provide the national baseline data to initiate steps for national pediculosis intervention programs.