Prevalence of active trachoma among children between 1-9 years, in Woliso Town, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Trachoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Communities with endemic trachoma usually live in unhygienic/unclean and dusty areas and are associated with poverty, poor sanitation, and low socioeconomic status. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of active trachoma among children between 1-9 years old in Woliso town, central Ethiopia.
Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Woliso town from December 1-30 2014. A random cluster- sampling technique was employed and all children 1-9 years old from selected households were clinically assessed for active trachoma based on the World Health Organization’s simplified trachoma grading system. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17 statistical package.
Results: From a total of 961 children screened for trachoma, overall prevalence of active trachoma was 196 (20.4%). Trachomatous inflammation follicular accounted for 176(18.3%) and Trachomatous inflammation intense cases were 20(2.1 %.). In multivariate analysis, age, unclean face, and not using soap for face washing were all found statistically associated with trachoma. On the other hand, access to water supply and presence of latrines were not statistically associated with active trachoma.
Conclusion: Active trachoma is a public health problem and is associated with a number of risk factors such as? in Woliso town. Therefore, we recommend mass antibiotic distribution, and health education on environmental and personal hygiene especially on face washing to every implementing partner. We also recommend further investigations into the behavior and life style of the public in such urban communities to understand why trachoma is still a public health problem despite having access to water and latrines. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2018; 32(2):110-115]
Key Words: Active trachoma, Trachomatous inflammation, Children