This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (5) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Hansen, R. C. Articles by O’Haver, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Hansen, R. C. Articles by O’Haver, J. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Economic Considerations Associated With Pediculus humanus capitis Infestation

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona

Judith O’Haver, MS, RN, CPNP

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona

An estimated 6 to 12 million head lice infestations occur in the United States annually, with children ages 3 to 12 most likely to be affected. There are significant direct costs associated with treatment and indirect costs due to lost time from school. Anecdotal reports suggest that direct costs of treatment are in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Indirect costs are also substantial but more difficult to quantify. Examples of indirect costs include missed days from schools that use a "no nit" policy, lost wages for parents who must stay home with children, and costs of daycare for parents who cannot miss work. Contributors to the expense of treating head lice include misdiagnosis, and, consequently unneeded treatment; treatment failure due to misuse of pediculicides or other agents; and developing resistance, particularly to over-the-counter pyrethroid agents. An overview of direct and indirect costs of infestation are included in this review, along with a discussion of factors that lead to misuse and overuse of pediculicides. More accurate diagnosis of head lice infestation may provide the most effective means of controlling the costs of care and ensuring proper use of pediculicides.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Lebwohl, L. Clark, and J. Levitt Therapy for Head Lice Based on Life Cycle, Resistance, and Safety Considerations Pediatrics, May 1, 2007; 119(5): 965 - 974. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]