Author:
Mahande Michael J,Mazigo Humphrey D,Kweka Eliningaya J
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Trachoma is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and is mainly associated with poor water accessibility. However, these associations have never been demonstrated in some of the communities, especially in northern Tanzania. To cover that gap, the present case control study was conducted to assess the association of water related factors, general hygiene and active trachoma among preschool and school age children in Hai district, northern Tanzania.
Results
Families reported to use > 60 litres of water per day were less likely to have active disease (OR= 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1 - 0.3; P<0.001) compared to households collecting ≤ 60 litres. The risk of having trachoma increased with increase in distance to the water point (OR= 6.5, 95% CI; 1.8 - 16.7; P= 0.003). Households members who reported to use < 2 liters of water for face washing were more likely to be trachomatous (OR= 5.12, 95% CI: 1.87-14.6, P = 0.001). Increased number of preschool children in the household was also associated with increased risk of active trachoma by 2.46 folds.
Conclusions
Improving water supply near the households and providing public health education focusing on improving households socio-economic status and individual hygiene especially in pre-school children in part will help to reduce the prevalence of the disease. In addition, integrating public health education with other interventions such as medical interventions remains important.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,General Medicine
Reference22 articles.
1. Mariotti SP, Pascolini D, Rose-Nussbaumer J: Trachoma: global magnitude of a preventable cause of blindness. Br J Ophthalmol. 2009, 93: 563-568. 10.1136/bjo.2008.148494.
2. WHO: Field Methods For the Control of Trachoma. 1973, Geneva: World Health Organization, 68
3. West S, Lynch M, Turner V, Munoz B, Rapoza P, Mmbaga BB, Taylor HR: Water availability and trachoma. Bull World Health Organ. 1989, 67: 71-75.
4. Mabey DC, Solomon AW, Foster A: Trachoma. Lancet. 2003, 362: 223-229. 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13914-1.
5. Bailey R, Downes B, Downes R, Mabey D: Trachoma and water use; a case control study in a Gambian village. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1991, 85: 824-828. 10.1016/0035-9203(91)90470-J.
Cited by
21 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献