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Prevalence of active trachoma two years after control activities
Abstract
a study was undertaken to determine the impact of the control activities. Methods: A simple random selection of compounds
was done. Trained and standardized ophthalmic nurses examined children aged 1 to 10 years for dirty faces and signs of active trachoma.
Community members were interviewed to ascertain availability of potable water and latrines. Results: A total of 9,288 children aged 1-10 years were examined in 2003. Overall TF/TI prevalence for Upper West was 5.6% and for Northern Region was 3.5%. In 2000, 6,241 children aged 1-10 years were examined. The overall prevalence of TF/TI
for baseline was 15.0% for Upper West and 9.1% for Northern Region. The prevalence of TF/TI showed significant reduction (p-value <0.001) in all five districts and overall in the two regions. Conclusion: Trachoma control activities over a two-year period in two regions in Ghana had led to significant reduction in the prevalence of active disease. Integrated surveillance and active monitoring will help early detection of active disease.