Prevalence of active trachoma and associated risk factors among children in Gazegibela district of Wagehemra Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundTrachoma continues to be hyperendemic in many rural areas of Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of active trachoma among children in Gazegibela district, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2015 among children aged 1–9 years. Data were collected through an interview and eye examinations. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsAmong 601 children, 315 (52.4 %) were positive for active trachoma. Of these cases, 49.1 % were trachomatous inflammation-follicular and 3.3 % were trachomatous inflammation-intense. Children from households using rivers and ponds as their source of drinking water were more likely to develop active trachoma compared to those from households using water from springs or hand-dug wells (aOR = 2.9, 95 % CI: 1.70–4.81). Children from farming households were more likely to develop active trachoma (AOR = 3.3, 95 % CI: 1.02–10.65), as were children from housholds that lacked a latrine (aOR = 12.9, 95 % CI: 5.96–28.29). Children who washed their face only once a day were more likely to have active trachoma compared to those who washed for two and more times a day (aOR = 2.6, 95 % CI: 1.43–4.72).ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of trachoma among children from Gazegibela district. Trachoma remains a public health challenge in this region, requiring intervention from the government and other stakeholders.

Prevalence of active trachoma and associated risk factors among children of the pastoralist population in Madda Walabu rural district, Southeast Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

“…On the other hand, the prevalence of active trachoma in this study was lower than a study report from prevalence Gazegibela district, Amhara region, which reported 52.4% [17], and a report from Dalocha district, central Ethiopia reported 51.5% prevalence [20]. This difference might be due to infrastructure and health service coverage difference, in addition to Gazegibela district, which is repeatedly drought affected and one of the food insecure districts of the Amhara region.…”

“…Unlike the findings from the north and south Wollo Zones of Amhara region, this study finding a significant association between the source of water and the presence of active trachoma [16]. In line with this finding, a study from Gazegibela district (north Ethiopia) reported the source of water supply has been significantly associated with the occurrence of active trachoma among children [17].…”

“…Studies conducted elsewhere in Ethiopia also recorded a high prevalence of trachoma; in Gondar Zuria district the prevalence of active trachoma was 12.1% [10], Leku town (southern Ethiopia) the overall prevalence of active trachoma found to be 11.0% (Trachomatous inflammation- Follicular 9.8% and Intense 1.2%) [11]. In the same way, a high burden of active trachoma repeatedly reported from all corner of the country [11–17]. And in many rural parts of Ethiopia, trachoma continues to be rampant.…”

“…In Gazegibela district of Wagehemra zone, among children aged 1–9 years 52.4% were positive for active trachoma. Of these cases, 49.1% were trachomatous inflammation-follicular and 3.3% were trachomatous inflammation-intense [17].…”

Prevalence and risk factors of active trachoma among primary school children of Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia

“…The prevalence of active trachoma (TF or TI) was 10.3% in this study, which was lower compared to other studies conducted in Ethiopia. [ 9 11 12 ]…”