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Trachoma: 1985 update in Western Australia
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 1, 1986
Summary
Trachoma prevalence significantly decreased in Western Australian Aboriginal children following the National Trachoma and Eye Health Programme. Improvements in hygiene and housing contributed to this decline in follicular and cicatricial trachoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Trachoma remains a significant public health issue in remote Aboriginal communities.
- The National Trachoma and Eye Health Programme aimed to reduce trachoma prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in trachoma patterns among Aboriginal children in Western Australia.
- To evaluate the impact of the National Trachoma and Eye Health Programme on trachoma prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Surveys conducted in the Eastern Goldfields and Eastern Kimberley regions between 1979 and 1985.
- Analysis of prevalence data for follicular and cicatricial trachoma in children aged 0-9 years.
Main Results:
- Significant decline in follicular trachoma prevalence from 26.4% (1977) to 8.8% (1984/1985) in combined Eastern Goldfields and Red Centre.
- Marked reduction in cicatricial trachoma: Red Centre (65% to 39%), Eastern Goldfields (39% to 21.7%), Eastern Kimberley (58% to 24.9%).
- Prevalence reduction correlated with improved school hygiene and housing.
Conclusions:
- The National Trachoma and Eye Health Programme appears to have successfully reduced trachoma prevalence in studied communities.
- Continued screening and community-based interventions focusing on hygiene and housing are recommended.