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Access to water source, latrine facilities and other risk factors of active trachoma in Ankober, Ethiopia

Ilya Golovaty1, Larissa Jones, Bizu Gelaye

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Plos One
|August 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Active trachoma is highly prevalent in children aged 1-9 in Ankober, Ethiopia. Poor sanitation, hygiene, and water access are key risk factors, necessitating targeted public health interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Trachoma remains a significant cause of preventable blindness globally.
  • Understanding local prevalence and risk factors is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of active trachoma in children aged 1-9 years in Ankober, Ethiopia.
  • To identify socio-demographic and environmental factors associated with active trachoma.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in July 2007.
  • 507 children (ages 1-9) from 232 households were examined using the WHO simplified clinical grading system.
  • Logistic regression analyzed associations between risk factors and active trachoma.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of active trachoma was 53.9%.
  • Significant risk factors included fly-eye presence, lack of facial cleanliness, illiterate mothers, and limited access to piped water and latrines.
  • Odds ratios indicated substantial increased risk for these factors.

Conclusions:

  • Active trachoma is highly prevalent in young children in Ankober.
  • Interventions focusing on water, sanitation, hygiene, and fly control are recommended.
  • Addressing these risk factors can reduce the trachoma burden in the region.
Abstract

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