Prevalence of trachoma among students of limmu genet primary School, limmu kossa district, jimma zone, oromiya region, ethiopia

Abstract

Background:-Trachoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. Trachoma can only spread in poor, overcrowded communities where hygiene is bad and where conjunctiva discharge is frequently passed from eye to eye. The main carriers of the infection are children below the age of 10. Objective: -The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of trachoma Limmu genet primary school. Method: - A cross sectional study was conducted in Limmu genet primary school using a structured questionnaire and physical examination to determine the prevalence of trachoma. All selected students were assessed for trachoma using the simplified grading scheme proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Result: -A total 176 students were seen in limmu genet primary school during the study period. Of the studied students, 93(52.8%) were male and 82(47.2%) were female. Among the studied group there was 15.9% active trachoma seen. Eighty percent of Trachoma is found in the age group of 5-9years old followed by age group of 10-14years old which accounts 20% . Males and females were affected almost equally. The prevalence of trachomatous follicle (TF) was found to be 8.5% and the prevalence of trachomatous intense (TI) was found to be 7.4%. Conclusion and recommendation: - Trachoma is a treatable and preventable disease. But when it is neglected it can result in blindness. In the study area there was less prevalence of trachoma(15.9%) than oromia regional as well as national 41.3% and 40.14% respectivily. Even though, Considering this the concerned bodies should be given health education on personal and environmental hygiene and antibiotics use to reduce the prevalence of trachoma.