PREVENTION THROUGH PERCEPTION: INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL FACTORS IN HEAD LICE CONTROL AMONG KARACHI SCHOOL GIRLS APPLICATION OF HEALTH BELIEVE MODEL
Main Article Content
Keywords
Pediculosis, Preventive Behaviors, Cognitive behavior
Abstract
Background: In Pakistan, head lice pose a significant health concern for adolescents, particularly amongst female students. This study delves deeper into this issue by exploring potential links between head lice infestation and the cognitive and behavioral factors present in these young women.
Methods: To investigate the potential connection between cognitive-behavioral factors and head lice infestation among female high school students, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, during 2023. A total of 226 participants were carefully selected through a random sampling method, ensuring a representative sample of the student population. These young women actively participated by completing a self-administered questionnaire specifically designed to gather crucial information. The questionnaire comprehensively assessed two key aspects: Cognitive-behavioral factors: This explored various thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that might influence head lice susceptibility or transmission. This could include factors like knowledge about hygiene practices, social interactions, and coping mechanisms related to itching or stigma. Head lice infestation status: The questionnaire effectively determined whether each participant currently had head lice or had experienced it in the past. This provided valuable data on the prevalence and potential risk factors within the study population.
Results: The study uncovered a distinct pattern when comparing students with and without head lice infestation. Those grappling with the infestation exhibited substantially lower scores in: Perceived severity: They tended to underestimate the seriousness of head lice and its potential consequences, potentially neglecting the urgency of addressing the issue. Perceived benefits: These students saw less value in engaging in preventive measures compared to their lice-free counterparts, possibly diminishing their motivation to adopt consistent hygiene practices. Self-efficacy: Individuals with head lice infestation reported lower confidence in their ability to effectively manage the situation, potentially leading to feelings of helplessness and discouragement.
Conclusion: The study revealed a concerning trend: female students with head lice infestations underestimated the problem's severity, felt less empowered to manage it, and saw less value in preventative measures. Importantly, these factors predicted both infestation and preventative behavior. This suggests targeted health programs could be highly effective. By raising awareness of risks, boosting self-efficacy in hygiene practices, and addressing barriers to prevention, such programs have the potential to significantly reduce head lice infestation among female students in Pakistan.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Aisha Jabeen
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
Dr. Mirza Tasawer Baig
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
Sadaf Ibrahim
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
Noorulain Pirzada
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Dewan University Karachi Pakistan
Samina Sheikh
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
Hira Arif
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
Quratulain Pirzada
Jinnah University for Women, Karachi Pakistan