Abstract:
Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Though trachoma can be treated
with antibiotic it is still endemic in most part of Ethiopia.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 618 children 1–9 years of age from
December 2013 to June 2014. A multistage systematic sampling technique was applied. Data were collected using
pretested and structured questionnaire and also observation by using binocular loupe to differentiate active trachoma
cases.
The
World
Health Organization’s
simplified classification scheme for
assessing trachoma in community
based
surveys
was used for
the purpose.
Bivariate
and multivariate
logistic
regression
model was fitted
to
identify factors
associated
with trachoma among children
aged 1–9
years.
An adjusted
odds ratio with 95
%
confidence interval
was
computed
to
determine
the level
of significance.
Results: The overall prevalence of active trachoma among children aged 1–9 years were 23.1 % (Trachomatous
inflammation—Follicular, in 22.5 % (95 % CI: 22.3–22.69 %); Trachomatous inflammation—Intense, in 0.6 % (95 % CI:
0.4–0.79 %). Family size (>5) (AOR = 14.32, 95 % CI = 6.108–33.601), number of children under 10 years of age within
household (AOR = 25.53, 95 % CI = 9.774–66.686), latrine utilizations (AOR = 10.274, 95 % CI = 4.274–24.968), route
of waste disposal (AOR = 3.717, 95 % CI = 1.538 to −8.981), household literacy (AOR = 2.892, 95 % CI = 1.447–5.780),
cattle housing practice (AOR = 4.75, 95 % CI = 1.815–12.431), time to collect water (AOR = 25.530, 95 % CI = 8.995–
72.461), frequency of face washing practice (AOR = 6.384, 95 % CI = 2.860–14.251) and source of water (AOR = 2.353,
95 % CI = 1.134–4.882) were found to be associated with the presence of active trachoma in this study population.
Conclusion: The prevalence of active trachoma among rural communities of children aged 1–9 years was found
to be high in reference to WHO recommended thresholds to initiate trachoma control recommendation (>10 %
prevalence), which indicates that active trachoma is still a major public health concern in the study area. Therefore, it
is recommended that coordinated work on implementing the WHO endorsed SAFE strategy in particular and enhancing
the overall
living conditions of the community
is crucial.
