Research Article
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Active Trachoma Among 1–9-Year-Old Children in Gulele Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-10
Received:
4 December 2024
Accepted:
19 December 2024
Published:
7 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijidt.20251001.11
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Abstract: Background: The most common cause of blindness and one of the most neglected tropical diseases is trachoma. It is a significant public health issue in underdeveloped nations. Hands, fomites, and eye-seeking flies can spread it through direct contact with contaminated nasal and ocular secretions. The main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of active trachoma among 1–9-year-old children in Gulele Sub City in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gulele sub-city from May 1 to July 30. A systematic random sampling technique was implemented to select study participants. To assure and control the quality of the data, a validated tool, and a cross-checked system were implemented. Bivariable and multi-variable binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with active trachoma. 95% confidence intervals and P-values were used to measure the strength of the association, and a P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The result shows that the overall prevalence of active trachoma among preschool-aged children was 23.3% [95% CI: (19–25.1)]. Age of a child (AOR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.03), frequently washing faces (AOR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.42), a child with Unclean faces (AOR=2.83, 95% CI: 1.43, 3.64), improper solid waste disposal (AOR=4.24, 95% CI: 3.25, 5.25), were factors associated with active trachoma. Conclusion: The prevalence of active trachoma among preschool-aged children was high. The age of a child, frequently washing faces, the unclean face of the child, and proper solid waste disposal are important factors associated with active trachoma. This study indicated that trachoma is a public health problem Recommendation: to address the high prevalence of active trachoma among preschool-aged children, the following recommendations are essential: Enhance Hygiene Practices: Implement community education programs promoting regular face washing to reduce infection rates. Improve Sanitation: Ensure proper solid waste disposal and enhance access to clean water and sanitation facilities in endemic areas. Regular Health Surveillance: Conduct periodic trachoma prevalence surveys to monitor infection rates and identify at-risk populations. Integrate SAFE Strategy: Adopt the WHO's SAFE strategy, which includes surgery for advanced cases, mass antibiotic distribution, facial cleanliness promotion, and environmental improvements.
Abstract: Background: The most common cause of blindness and one of the most neglected tropical diseases is trachoma. It is a significant public health issue in underdeveloped nations. Hands, fomites, and eye-seeking flies can spread it through direct contact with contaminated nasal and ocular secretions. The main objective of this study is to assess the pre...
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,
Emebet Tesfaye,
Mustofa Hassen Yesuf
