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Asgedom YS, Melaku T, Gebrekidan AY, Meskele M, Asnake G, Alemu A, Efa AG, Haile KE, Kassie GA. Prevalence of active trachoma among 1-9 years of age children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079623. [PMID: 38991673 PMCID: PMC11243140 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to determine the pooled prevalence of active trachoma among 1-9 years old children in Ethiopia. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis were employed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. DATA SOURCES Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journal of Online and Google scholar databases were systematically explored to find studies published in English until July 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The following criteria apply: (1) condition (Co): studies examined the prevalence of trachoma among children (1-9) years old; (2) context (Co): studies conducted in Ethiopia; (3) population (Pop): studies that were done among children (1-9) years old; (4) study type: observational studies and (5) language: studies published in English. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. DerSimonian-Laird random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of active trachoma among 1-9 years old children. Cochrane Q-tests and I2 statistics were used across studies to assess heterogeneity. To identify possible publication bias, Egger's test was performed. PRIMARY OUTCOME Prevalence of active trachoma among children aged (1-9 years old)". RESULTS Overall, a total of 42 articles with 235 005 study participants were included in the final analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of active trachoma using random effect model was 24% (95% CI 20% to 27%). The subgroup analysis by region revealed that the highest prevalence of trachoma was 36% (95% CI 13% to 58%) in the Tigray region, and publication year revealed the prevalence of trachoma was decreasing from 32% to 19% after 2015. CONCLUSION In this review, the pooled prevalence of active trachoma was found to be high in Ethiopia compared with WHO threshold level. This underscores the need for increased focus on high-risk age groups to decrease trachoma and to achieve the elimination of trachoma from the country by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mengistu Meskele
- School of Public Health, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Gedeon Asnake
- Midwifery, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Southern Nations, Ethiopia
| | - Afework Alemu
- Department of Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
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Getachew D, Woldekidan F, Ayele G, Bekele Y, Sleshi S, Tekalgn E, Worku T, Ayenew M, Bogale B, Asres A. High prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among school-aged children in Southwest Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011846. [PMID: 38100523 PMCID: PMC10756553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active trachoma is a highly contagious ongoing stage of trachoma that predominantly occurs during childhood in an endemic area. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with active trachoma among school-aged children. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was done from March 1st to June 30th, 2021, in Southwest Ethiopia's people's regional state. A total of 1292 school-aged children were surveyed. The quantitative data were collected using a pre-tested, structured interview-based questionnaire and observation check list. The World health organization (WHO) simplified trachoma grading system was used to assess stages of trachoma. In this study, the prevalence of active trachoma was 570(44.1%), 95% CI (41.4, 46.9). Also, age group 6-10; being female; flies at household (HH), flies on child's face, improved water source, improved sanitation, presence of ocular discharge, presence of nasal discharge, and unclean faces of the child were significantly associated with active trachoma. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The very high prevalence of active trachoma in the study area is significantly associated with; age group 6-10, female gender, presence of flies in household and on child's face, presence of ocular and nasal discharge, unclean faces, improved water source, improved sanitation in the household. Thus, environmental sanitation and facial cleans trachoma elimination strategy should be intensified in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Getachew
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Fekede Woldekidan
- Department of Public Health, Ethiopian Defense University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Ayele
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Yordanos Bekele
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Samrawit Sleshi
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Eyob Tekalgn
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Teshale Worku
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistu Ayenew
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Biruk Bogale
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Abyot Asres
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
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Semahegn A, Manyazewal T, Getachew E, Fekadu B, Assefa E, Kassa M, Davey G, Hopkins M, Araya M, Woldehanna T, Hanlon C, Fekadu A. Burden of neglected tropical diseases and access to medicine and diagnostics in Ethiopia: a scoping review. Syst Rev 2023; 12:140. [PMID: 37580784 PMCID: PMC10424375 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02302-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 1.7 billion people are affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) worldwide. Forty percent of the NTD-affected people live in Africa with the poorest, most vulnerable, and hard to reach geographical areas. The NTDs cause significant social and economic burden and deepen marginalization and stigmatization. The World Health Organization's current roadmap for NTD aims to prevent, control, eliminate, or eradicate 20 tropical diseases. Ethiopia experiences a high burden of these diseases, but current access to diagnostics, medicine, and/or care has been little explored to inform the country's NTD strategic plan. The overall purpose of the scoping review was to map and characterize the burden of NTDs and challenges in access to diagnostics, medicine, and/or care in Ethiopia. METHODS A systematic search of evidence was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from January 2000 until May 2022, without restrictions of language or study design. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review was followed for screening of studies. Key findings were extracted and narrated qualitatively. RESULTS The search resulted in 4532 articles, of which 105 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the scoping review under three themes: burden of NTDs, access to diagnostics, medicine and/or care, and key barriers. Although gains have been made in the prevention and control of NTDs in Ethiopia, the burden remains high, and progress in access to diagnostics, medicine/drugs, and/or care is very slow. Poverty, poor quality of life, and underfunding of NTD programs decelerate the process of NTD elimination program in the country. CONCLUSIONS The scoping review identified a considerable number of studies on the burden of NTDs in Ethiopia and strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and/or care; however, there is a paucity of evidence on the suitability and potential benefits of novel diagnostic technologies and medicines in the country. A regular review and analysis of such country-level evidence is important to inform the country NTDs roadmap and local implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agumasie Semahegn
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, Unversity of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyerusalem Getachew
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bethelhem Fekadu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Esubalew Assefa
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Health Economics and Policy Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Munir Kassa
- Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gail Davey
- Global Health & Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Michael Hopkins
- Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Mesele Araya
- College of Business and Economics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Policy Studies Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tassew Woldehanna
- College of Business and Economics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Research and Capacity Building, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Global Health & Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Research and Capacity Building, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Asmare ZA, Seifu BL, Mare KU, Asgedom YS, Kase BF, Shibeshi AH, Tebeje TM, Lombebo AA, Sabo KG, Fente BM, Teshale AB, Asebe HA. Prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1-9 years of age children in Andabet district, northwest Ethiopia, 2023: A multi-level mixed-effect analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011573. [PMID: 37590321 PMCID: PMC10464999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is the chief cause of preventable blindness worldwide and has been earmarked for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Despite the five-year Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (SAFE)-based interventions in the Andabet district, the prevalence of trachomatous follicular (TF) was 37%. With such a high prevalence of TF, the determinant factors were not revealed. Besides, there were no reports on the overall prevalence of active trachoma (i.e.TF and or trachomatous intense (TI)). OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1-9 years of age children in the Andabet district. METHOD A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged under nine years from March 1-30, 2023 in Andabet district, Northwest Ethiopia. Multi-stage systematic random sampling was employed to reach 540 children. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with active trachoma. We fitted both random effect and fixed effect analysis. Finally, variables with p<0.05 in the multivariable multilevel analysis were claimed to be significantly associated with active trachoma. RESULT In this study, the overall prevalence of active trachoma was 35.37% (95% CI: 31.32%, 39.41%). The prevalence of TF and TI was 31.3% and 4.07% respectively. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were significantly associated with the prevalence of active trachoma. CONCLUSION In this study, the prevalence of active trachoma was much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold prevalence. Ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were independent determinants of active trachoma among children (1-9 years). Therefore, paying special attention to these high-risk groups could decrease the prevalence of a neglected hyperendemic disease, active trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zufan Alamrie Asmare
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Beminate Lemma Seifu
- Department of Public Health, Collage of Medicine and Health Science, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Kusse Urmale Mare
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Yordanos Sisay Asgedom
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Bizunesh Fantahun Kase
- Department of Public Health, Collage of Medicine and Health Science, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Abdu Hailu Shibeshi
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Science, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Tsion Mulat Tebeje
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Afework Alemu Lombebo
- School of Medicine, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Kebede Gemeda Sabo
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Bezawit Melak Fente
- Department of General Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Altaye Asebe
- Department of Public Health, Collage of Medicine and Health Science, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
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Kebede F, Jamal M. Prevalence of active trachoma infection and associated factors post-war resettled population in raya kobo districts, North East Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study in 2022. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1486. [PMID: 37554953 PMCID: PMC10404653 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Active trachoma infection poses a serious threat to public health, particularly for those who live in an unprivileged area and has practiced open-field defecation. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of active trachoma infection and associated factors in the post-war resettled population in Raya Kobo district, North East Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study in 2022. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 602 participants randomly selected in 14 slum villages in Raya Kobo from February 16th to March 30th, 2023. After the data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and entered into Epi-data version 3.2. The study participants were chosen using a two-stage sampling process. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors for active trachoma infection. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were claimed for the strength of association at p < 0.05. Results Overall, 602 (99.9%) study participants were included in the final analysis. At the end of the study period, 126 (20.9) participants developed active trachoma infection. On multivariable analysis, were aged ≥45 years (AOR = 7.9, 95% CI = 2.4-25.3), history of eye infection (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 2.4-10.4, p = 0.001), were poor wealth index (AOR = 9.2, 95% CI = 2.7-23.7), having separated kitchen (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.86-8.86), living with animals (AOR = 5.92, 95% CI = 2.31-14.7) and having got administration of mass-drug (AOR = 8.9, 95% CI = 2.36-33.6) were significant risk factors for active trachoma infection. Whereas, face washing practice regularly (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.127-0.43), and toilet availability (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.20-0.97) were preventive factors for active trachoma infection. Conclusion A significant prevalence of active trachoma infection was reported in the area as compared with previous findings and urgent clinical intervention, and the WHO critical SAFE strategies (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement) implementation is highly needed in the area. In addition, healthcare providers should focus on information dissemination on proper latrine utilization, and washing the face regularly to prevent active trachoma infection is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fassikaw Kebede
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostaticsCollege of Health ScienceWoldia UniversityWoldiaEthiopia
| | - Muhammad Jamal
- Mersa Health CentreHabru Woreda North WolloNorth WolloEthiopia
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Grygiel-Górniak B, Folga BA. Chlamydia trachomatis-An Emerging Old Entity? Microorganisms 2023; 11:1283. [PMID: 37317257 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is an evasive pathogen that can prompt severe clinical manifestations in humans such as vaginitis, epididymitis, lymphogranuloma venereum, trachoma, conjunctivitis and pneumonia. If left untreated, chronic infections with C. trachomatis can give rise to long-lasting and even permanent sequelae. To shed some light on its widespread nature, data from original research, systematic reviews and meta-analyses from three databases was collected and analyzed in the context of chlamydial infection, related symptoms and appropriate treatment modalities. This review describes the bacterium's pervasiveness on a global scale, especially in developing countries, and suggests ways to halt its transmission and spread. Infections with C. trachomatis often go unnoticed, as many individuals are asymptomatic and unaware of their diagnosis, contributing to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. The high prevalence of chlamydial infection highlights the need for a universal screening and detection method enabling immediate treatment at its onset. Prognosis is favorable with antibiotic therapy and education for high-risk groups and their sexual partners. In the future, a quick, easily accessible, and inexpensive test should be developed to diagnose and treat infected individuals early on. Along with a vaccine against C. trachomatis, it would halt the transmission and spread of the pathogen worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogna Grygiel-Górniak
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland
| | - Barbara Anna Folga
- Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland
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Shobiso MG, Hussen MS, Munaw MB, Tilahun MM. Trachoma Prevention Practice and Associated Factors in Rural Lemo District, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. Ethiop J Health Sci 2023; 33:123-132. [PMID: 36890944 PMCID: PMC9987275 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v33i1.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness. It is more prevalent in areas where there is poor personal and environmental sanitation. Implementing a SAFE strategy will reduce the incidence of trachoma. The purpose of this study was to look into trachoma prevention practices and associated factors in rural Lemo, South Ethiopian communities. Methods We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in the rural Lemo district of south Ethiopia, covering 552 households, from July 1 - July 30, 2021. We used a multistage sampling technique. Seven Kebeles were selected using a simple random sampling method. Then, a systematic random sampling procedure with a five-interval size was applied to select the households.Our study assessed the association between the outcome variable and explanatory variables using binary and multivariate logistic regressions. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated, and variables with a p-value below 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant. Results The study found that 59.6% (95% CI: 55.5%-63.7%) of participants had good trachoma prevention practices. Having a favorable attitude (odds ratio [AOR]: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.26-2.89), receiving health education (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.46-3.21), and obtaining water from a public pipe (AOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.09-5.66) were significantly associated with good trachoma prevention practice. Conclusions Fifty-nine percent of the participants had good prevention practices for trachoma. Health education, a favorable attitude, and a water source from public pipes were variables associated with good trachoma prevention practice. Improving water sources and disseminating health information are vital to increasing trachoma prevention practices.
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Ayelgn K, Guadu T, Getachew A. Low prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1-9 years in rural communities of Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:114. [PMID: 34001198 PMCID: PMC8127303 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01064-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1-9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. METHOD A community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1-9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. RESULTS A total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95% CI, 9.5-13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5-8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3-6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5-6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2-26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma. CONCLUSION The current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kessete Ayelgn
- Amhara Region West Gondar Health Department, Northwest Ethiopia, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Guadu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Atalay Getachew
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
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