Abstract:
Background: Globally, 200 million people are still at risk of trachoma and children are the most affected. Ethiopia has the highest prevalence of trachoma and endemic in 604 rural districts with 73.2 million people are at risk of infection. It is common in small children than any other segment of the population especially in children aged 1–9 years. However, Meta Robi is one of the districts where the prevalence and risk factors of trachoma is not studied before and eye problem is common among rural children. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess prevalence and risk factors for trachoma among children in rural residents of Meta Robi District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional state, 2019.
Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Meta Robi district from March 01 to April 15, 2019. A total of 380 participants were examined for trachoma based on the simplified World Health Organization trachoma grading system. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected by using a structured pretested questionnaire and clinical eye examination was conducted. Data was entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Both descriptive and analytical statistical procedures were utilized. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used in identifying independently associated factor and declared statistically significant at p value <0.05.
Result: The overall prevalence of trachoma among children aged 1–9 years in the district was 8.9 % (95% CI; 6.3-11.8), (Trachomatous Inflammation Follicular (4.7%) and Trachomatous Inflammation Intense (4.2%). Family monthly income ≥650 ETB of respondents (AOR= 0.143; 95% CI; 0.034-0.602), children from respondents those who were farmers (AOR =8.169; 95% CI; 2.406-27.735), absence of latrine (AOR=4.255; 95% CI; 1.086-16.675), absence of discharges on eyes (AOR=0.325; 95% CI; 0.123-0.860), absence of fly breading site (AOR=0.118; 95% CI; 0.043-0.328) and number of children aged 1-9 years old greater than two of the respondents (AOR= 4.029; 95% CI;1.082-15.007) were associated factors for trachoma.
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of trachoma among rural children aged 1–9 years old in the district was greater than World Health Organization trachoma elimination cutoff point which warrants the trachoma prevention and controls strategy to be strengthened in the district. For the identified risk factors for trachoma, district health office and health extension worker should strength community lead total sanitation and hygiene.
