Active Trachoma and Associated Risk Factors Among Children in Baso Liben District of East Gojjam, Ethiopia

Overview

Journal BMC Public Health

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Public Health

Date 2012 Dec 25

PMID 23259854

Citations 43

Authors

Kassahun Ketema

Moges Tiruneh

Desalegn Woldeyohannes

Dagnachew Muluye

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Trachoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. It is common in areas where the people are socio-economically deprived. The aim of this study was to assess active trachoma and associated risk factors among children 1-9 years in East Gojjam.

Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Baso Liben District from February to April 2012. A two-stage random cluster-sampling technique was employed and all children 1-9 years old from each household were clinically assessed for trachoma based on simplified WHO 1983 classification. Data were collected by using semi-structured interview, pre-tested questionnaire and observation. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical package.

Results: From a total of 792 children screened for trachoma (of which 50.6% were girls), the overall prevalence of active trachoma was 24.1% consisting of only 17.2% [95% CI: 14.8, 20.1] TF and 6.8% TI. There were variations among children living in low land (29.3%) and in medium land (21.4%). In multivariate analysis, low monthly income (AOR = adjusted odds ratio) 2.98; 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.85-7.85), illiterate family (AOR = 5.18; 95% CI: 2.92-9.17); unclean face (AOR = 18.68; 95% CI: 1.98-175.55); access to water source (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.27-3.15); less than 20 liters of water use (AOR = 4.88; 95% CI: 1.51-15.78); not using soap for face washing (AOR = 5.84; 95% CI: 1.98-17.19); not using latrine frequently (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 0.01-0.42); density of flies (AOR = 3.77; 95% CI: 2.26-6.29); less knowledgeable family (AOR = 3.91; 95% CI: 2.40-6.38) and average monthly income (AOR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.85-7.85) were found independently associated with trachoma.

Conclusion: Active trachoma is a major public problem among 1-9 years children and significantly associated with a number of risky factors. Improvement in awareness of facial hygiene, environmental conditions, mass antibiotic distribution and health education on trachoma transmission and prevention should be strengthened in the District.

Citing Articles

Quantifying the impact of disease severity changes on the burden of blindness: A global decomposition analysis.

Chen J, Chen X, Zhu Y, Li Z, Chen X, Cao X J Glob Health. 2024; 14:04248.

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Determinants of active trachoma among rural children aged 1-9 years old in Aw-Bare Wereda, Somali Region of Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Warsame A, Mengistie D J Health Popul Nutr. 2024; 43(1):121.

PMID: 39127729 PMC: 11316974. DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00590-8.

Active trachoma and associated factors in children aged 1 to 9 years living in Sasiga rural districts, East Wallaga Zone, Ethiopia, in 2022: a community- based cross-sectional study.

Lema M, Cheme M, Shama A, Terefa D, Geta E, Desalegn Z BMC Ophthalmol. 2024; 24(1):284.

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Prevalence of active trachoma among 1-9 years of age children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Asgedom Y, Melaku T, Gebrekidan A, Meskele M, Asnake G, Alemu A BMJ Open. 2024; 14(7):e079623.

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Magnitude of Active Trachoma Among Host and Refugee Children in Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia.

Senbete L, Adhena G Clin Ophthalmol. 2024; 18:777-789.

PMID: 38495676 PMC: 10941795. DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S448870.

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