Author:
Shimelash Alebachew,Alemayehu Mekuriaw,Dagne Henok,Mihiretie Getenet,Lamore Yonas,Tegegne Eniyew,Kumlachew Lake
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by Chlamydial trachomatis. It is a major health problem in poor nations, notably in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the severity of the problem, there was a scarcity of data on trachoma prevalence and associated factors among school-aged children in Debre Tabor town following SAFE and MDA.
Objectives
The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of active trachoma and its associated factors among school-aged children in Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2019.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was used among school-aged children. Structured interview questionnaires, an observational checklist, and a physical examination were used to collect data from study participants who were chosen using a systematic random sampling procedure. IBM SPSS 20 was used to enter data, which was then transferred to IBM SPSS 20 for bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Result
A total of 394 children aged 5–15 had been screened and took part in the study, with 9.9% (95% CI: 6.9, 12.7) testing positive for active trachoma. Having an unimproved larine type (AOR = 5.18; 95%CI: 1.96, 13.69), improper solid waste disposal (AOR = 3.026; 95%CI: 1.17, 7.8), family size greater than four (AOR = 3.4; 95%CI: 1.22, 9.49), not using soap for face washing (AOR = 4.48; 95%CI: 1.46, 13.72) and an unclean face of the child during examination (AOR = 23.93; 95%CI: 8.25, 69.38) were found to be significant predictors of active trachoma.
Conclusion
Active trachoma among school-age children was high compared to the WHO’s definition of trachoma as a public health problem. A family size of four, poor solid waste management, an unimproved type of latrine, an unclean child's face, and not using soap when washing one's face were all significant predictors of active trachoma. Promotion of behavioral determinants through health education programs like keeping facial cleanliness by washing their child’s face with soap, managing solid waste properly, and installing improved latrines to reduce active trachoma needs to be in place.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference57 articles.
1. Cromwell E, Emerson P, Courtright P. Women and trachoma: achieving gender equity in the implementation of SAFE, February 2009. The Carter Center, Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, The Elfenworks Foundation. 2009. https://www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/health/trachoma/women_trachoma.pdf.
2. Géopogui A, et al. Baseline trachoma prevalence in Guinea: Results of national trachoma mapping in 31 health districts. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2018;12(6):e0006585.
3. Organization, W.H. Report of the 2nd Global scientific meeting on trachoma. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2003.
4. Resnikoff S, et al. Global data on visual impairment in the year 2002. Bull World Health Organ. 2004;82:844–51.
5. mondiale de la Santé O, W.H. Organization. WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020: progress report on elimination of trachoma, 2017–Alliance OMS pour l’élimination mondiale du trachome d’ici 2020: Rapport de situation sur l’élimination du trachoma, 2017. Weekly Epidemiol Rec= Relevé épidémiologique hebdomadaire. 2018;93(26):371–80.