Prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors Among childrens of 1-9 years of age in sheka zone, south West ethiopia, 2021

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