Abstract:
Background: Active trachoma is a chronic infection of the conjunctiva which is caused by
Chlamydia trachomatis. Active disease affects mainly children, but adults are at increased risk of
scarring. It is transmitted through close facial contact, hand-to-eye contact and via fomites. It is
the world's leading infectious cause of blindness which affects mainly children. Ethiopia is one
of high prevalence country of continent Africa.
Objective ; To assess the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children
of 1-9 years of age in Sheka Zone, Southwest Ethiopia, 2021
Method and materials ; A community based cross sectional study was conducted from 05-15
May, 2021 in Andracha and Masha woredas of Sheka zone. A total of 776 one to nine years old
children were included in to the study from households selected by simple random sampling
technique. All children were examined for trachoma by Ophthalmic nurses using the World
Health Organization simplified clinical grading system. Interviews and observations was used to
assess associated factors. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and then exported for
analysis to SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and AOR together with corresponding 95%
CIs was calculated to assess strength of association and declare statistical significance.
Result; The overall prevalence of active trachoma was 21%. Using soap for face
washing[AOR7.15; 95% CI: 3.41, 11.25], Facial cleanness[AOR 3.5; 95%CI: 1.95, 5.754],
Water source for house hold consumption[AOR6.56; 95%CI: 3.216, 9.50], water source lasting
throughout the year [AOR4.37; 95% CI: 1.98, 12.74], daily water consumption per
individual[AOR22.25; 95% CI: 11.7,73.13], presence of garbage within an area of 15 meters
from the house[AOR6.59; 95% CI: 2.66, 17.65], and presence of human feces within an area of
15 meters from the house [AOR 5.54; 95% CI: 2.404-9.78]were factors significantly associated
with active trachoma.
Conclusion; The prevalence of active trachoma is high in the study area. There is a need to
improve on the awareness of facial hygiene, environmental and household conditions, and health
education on trachoma transmission and prevention should be strengthened in the study area
