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Personal and environmental risk factors for active trachoma in children in Yobe state, north-eastern Nigeria

C Mpyet1, M Goyol, C Ogoshi

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. mpyetc@yahoo.com

Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

High rates of active trachoma were found in Nigerian preschoolers. Key risk factors include flies on the face and lack of household toilets, highlighting the need for hygiene improvements.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Trachoma remains a significant cause of preventable blindness globally.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions, especially in endemic regions like Yobe State, Nigeria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify personal and environmental risk factors for active trachoma in preschool-aged children.
  • To inform public health strategies for trachoma control in Yobe State.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 639 children aged 1-5 years across 27 villages in Yobe State, Nigeria.
  • Clinical examination for trachoma signs conducted in households.
  • Independent assessment of personal and environmental risk factors during examination.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of active trachoma was 35.7% (95% CI; 32.0-39.6), with similar rates in boys and girls.
  • Children aged 2-3 years exhibited the highest prevalence.
  • Independent risk factors identified: presence of flies on the face (OR 4.14) and lack of a toilet in the compound (OR 2.11).

Conclusions:

  • Active trachoma prevalence is high among preschool children in Yobe State.
  • Interventions should focus on improving personal and environmental hygiene, including toilet provision and use.
  • Integration of these measures into existing public health strategies is recommended.
Abstract

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