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Towards the eradication of head lice: literature review and research agenda
Author(s) -
Koch Tina,
Brown Marina,
Selim Pam,
Isam Cathy
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2702.2001.00512.x
Subject(s) - public health , incentive , health care , health professionals , nursing , work (physics) , psychology , medicine , public relations , medical education , political science , mechanical engineering , law , economics , microeconomics , engineering
• Head lice infestation is a public health issue. In the effort to compile an evidence‐base about the physiology, detection, treatment, effects and management strategies of head lice infestations we reviewed current literature. • This literature signalled significant evidence gaps and these gaps provide incentives for further research. • Our conclusions from the literature are that parents of children are responsible for head lice detection and treatment but have varying access to advice about how best to treat this condition. • Concern is exacerbated by misconceptions surrounding the circumstances of infestation. • Head lice are a low priority for health professionals in Australia, whereas parents and teachers believe the problem necessitates greater attention. • It is important to provide a unified evidence‐based approach to good information. • It is timely for health care professionals to re‐examine and prioritize this public health issue. They should research and work collaboratively towards the eradication of head lice.