Prevalence of active trachoma and its associated factors among 1–9 years of age children from model and non-model kebeles in Dangila district, northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Trachoma is the leading infectious disease that leads to blindness worldwide, especially in developing countries. Though Ethiopia had targeted a trachoma elimination program by 2020, the problem worsens, particularly in the Amhara Region. Even though sustained intervention measures are undertaken across the region, it is unclear why trachoma is still a significant public health problem. So, this study assessed the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among 1–9 years of age children from model and non-model kebeles in Dangila district Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 20th September 2019 to 29th October 2019. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to reach 704 children from model and non-model kebeles. Samples were allocated proportionally to model and non-model kebeles. A structured and pretested data collection tool and observational checklist was used to manage the necessary data. Data were coded and entered in Epidata version 4.6, and further analysis was done using SPSS version 20 software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with active trachoma. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR), p-value, and respected Confidence Interval (CI) were used to report the findings. Results Seven hundred four children were included in this study, with a response rate of 97.8%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma was 6% (95% CI: 4.5, 8.1). The prevalence of active trachoma among non-model and model Kebele was not significantly different. Still, the prevalence of active trachoma among children from model Kebele were [4.5%, (95% CI: 2.4%, 7.1%)] relatively lower compared with non-model kebeles, [7.6%, 95% CI: (4.9%, 10.9%)]. Moreover, not using latrine (AOR = 4.29, 95% CI: 1.96, 9.34), fly-eye contact (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.11, 6.03), presence of sleep in eyes (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.47), presence of ocular discharge (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.30, 6.00), presence of nasal discharges (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.90) and washing faces with soap (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.69) were found significantly associated with the prevalence of active trachoma among children 1–9 years old. Conclusions The prevalence of active trachoma in the model and non-model kebeles was high and did not show a statistical difference. Attention to be given to latrine utilization, washing face with soap, and other personal hygiene activities.

Retracted: 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

“…In Ethiopia, trachoma is the leading infectious disease that causes blindness 7 . At the end of this study, 126 (20.93%) participants were developing active trachoma infections.…”

“…5,6 Globally, active trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness and is considered the cause of visual impairment in 1.9 million people. 7,8 Around 50 million individuals worldwide have trachoma, and 3-10 million of them go blind as a result of the infection 9 with annual economic lost $2.9 and $5.3 billion. 9,10 According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020, more than 88% of the 157.7 million people living in the area with active trachoma sites were from African countries with more than 44.2%.…”

“…7,8 Around 50 million individuals worldwide have trachoma, and 3-10 million of them go blind as a result of the infection 9 with annual economic lost $2.9 and $5.3 billion. 9,10 According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020, more than 88% of the 157.7 million people living in the area with active trachoma sites were from African countries with more than 44.2%. 11,12 The WHO promotes a multifaceted "SAFE" method for trachoma prevention, which includes multiple components for reducing the burden through antibiotic distribution and environmental sanitation, and in 2021 achieved antibiotic coverage of 44%.…”

“…Globally, active trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness and is considered the cause of visual impairment in 1.9 million people 7,8 . Around 50 million individuals worldwide have trachoma, and 3–10 million of them go blind as a result of the infection 9 with annual economic lost $2.9 and $5.3 billion 9,10 .…”

A review of the prevalence of Trachoma, its Control program and challenges in Ethiopia

“…Trachoma is still a serious public health issue in Ethiopia despite the persistent efforts that were successful in ending the condition. (33) The 1224 districts with TF prevalence in children aged 1 to 9 years of less than 5% at any point in 2021 were home to a total of 145.6 million people. These people were eligible to participate in the SAFE strategy's A, F, and E components for trachoma elimination that year.…”