<p>High Prevalence of Clinically Active Trachoma and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool-Aged Children in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Southern Ethiopia</p>

Abstract

Background Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of irreversible blindness. In areas where trachoma is endemic, active trachoma is common among preschool-aged children, with varying magnitude. There is a dearth of information on the prevalence of active trachoma among preschool-aged children (the most affected segment of the population). Purpose The study aimed to assess the prevalence of clinically active trachoma and its associated risk factors among preschool-aged children in Arba Minch Health and Demographic surveillance site, Southern Ethiopia. Patients and Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 831 preschool-aged children from May 01 to June 16, 2019. A pre-tested and structured interviewer-administered Open Data Kit survey tool was used to collect data. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique by allocating a proportion to each kebeles. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression. Results The overall prevalence of clinically active trachoma among preschool-aged children was 17.8% with 95% CI (15%, 20%). Time taken to obtain water for greater than thirty minutes (AOR=2.8,95% CI: 1.62, 5.09), presence of animal pens in the living compound (AOR=5.1, 95% CI: 3.15, 8.33), improper solid waste disposal (AOR=7.8,95% CI: 4.68,13.26), improper latrine utilization (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.63,3.94), a child with unclean face (AOR=3.5, 95% CI: 2.12,5.97) had higher odds of active trachoma. Conclusion The prevalence of clinically active trachoma among pre-school aged children was high. “Facial cleanliness” and “Environmental improvement” components of the SAFE strategy are vital components in working towards the 2020 target of eliminating trachoma. Therefore, stakeholders at different hierarchies need to exert continuing efforts to integrate the trachoma prevention and control programs with other public health programs, with water sanitation and hygiene programs and with the education system.

Clinically active trachoma and its associated factors among one to nine year old children in Tarmaber district, Amhara region, Ethiopia: community based crossectional study design

“…In this study, a child from a household with animals but no corral was approximately six times more likely to develop clinically active trachoma than a child from a household that had a corral or did not have animals. These results were similar to those of a study from Arba Minch, which reported a vefold increase in the chance of developing clinically active trachoma, and a study from Gonji Qola District, which reported a sixfold increase in the chance of developing clinically active trachoma (31,32), which indicates that animal housing practices with a prevalence of clinically active trachoma are signi cantly positive. This might be because the vector ies could nd a comfortable site for breeding and allow the spread of the disease-causing agent.…”

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

“…The magnitude of active trachoma in this study (16.5%) is in line with the findings from Burundi (19.5%), Dembia (18%), Gambella (14.6%), South Sudan (15.7%), Lemo district (15.2%), Afar (17.1%), Arba Minch (17.8%), and Dera (15.6%). 11,12,15,16,[22][23][24][25] However, the finding is lower than the studies done in Systemic review in Ethiopia (26.9%), Kaffa (26.9%), Baso-Liben (24.1%), Degua-Temben (21.5%), Medawelabu (22%), Gonji Kolella (23.1%), Areka (37.9%), Waghimira (52.4%), Zalla (36.7%), and Kiritimati Island (28%). 10,14,[17][18][19][26][27][28][29][30] The discrepancy might be due to the duration of the study, sample size, and sampling techniques.…”

“…This is supported by the findings from Dembia, Kaffa, Lemmo, Arba Minch, Gonji Kolla, and Areka. 12,14,22,24,26,27 The possible reason for this might be due to the presence of garbage near the house may increase an opportunity for the growth of many microorganisms in that garbage and children may also touché and play in that environment which increases contamination. As is obviously known, trachoma is a disease due to sanitation and hygienic problems.…”

Determinants of Trachomatous Inflammation-Follicular Among Children Aged 1 to 9 Years Old in a Rural Area of Gozamn District, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Matched Case-Control Study

“… 9 , 10 Ethiopia, like some other African countries, has only consistently implemented the “antibiotics” component of SAFE strategy’s, 11 while under-performance has been reported regarding the “F” and “E” components. 12 …”

“…9,10 Ethiopia, like some other African countries, has only consistently implemented the "antibiotics" component of SAFE strategy's, 11 while under-performance has been reported regarding the "F" and "E" components. 12 Trachoma has historically been one of the most prevalent diseases in Amhara. 13 Impact surveys conducted in 2015 indicated that the average prevalence of active trachoma in this region was 25.9% (24.9%-26.9%).…”