Trachoma in Sudan: Risk Factors and Clinical Stages in Patients From Two Eye Care Hospitals, 2015

Background Trachoma is a leading infectious cause of blindness globally. While it has largely been eliminated in developed countries, it remains endemic in many developing regions. This study aimed to examine the clinical stages of trachoma and identify common sociodemographic and household characteristics associated with the disease among patients in Sudan. Methods We conducted a prospective, hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study at Makah Eye Complex and Abdalfadeel-Almaz Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. The study included trachoma patients of all age groups who visited these two eye care hospitals between March 1 and March 31, 2015. Data were gathered through clinical examinations, hospital records, and face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Results In this study, we identified 125 patients with trachoma, of whom 98 (78.4%) were over 50 years old. A majority, 70 (56%), tested positive for active trachoma; 51 (40.8%) had trachomatous trichiasis; and 70 (56%) exhibited trachoma follicles. Most patients were found to have low socioeconomic status (110, 88%), poor personal hygiene (55, 44%), and poor environmental hygiene (93, 74.4%). Conclusions Low socioeconomic status, poor personal hygiene, and inadequate environmental hygiene are prevalent sociodemographic and household characteristics among patients with trachoma. Despite significant progress toward disease elimination, trachoma continues to pose a public health challenge in Sudan.