Vision at risk: assessing women's knowledge of trachoma in Jordan: A cross-sectional survey study

Females are at higher risk of being affected with trachoma compared to males as they are the primary caregivers for their children who are one of the main reservoirs for trachoma-related infections. No previous research has assessed women's knowledge of trachoma in Jordan, which was the purpose of this study. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the females' knowledge of trachoma and its management in Jordan. This was a survey-based online cross-sectional study that was conducted in Jordan between December 27, 2025 and February 1, 2026. The study population for this research comprised of female adults (above 18 years) from the general public in Jordan. This study utilized a previously validated, pretested, structured questionnaire tool that was adapted based on previous research that examined environmental and personal hygiene factors, knowledge about trachoma, and practice toward trachoma prevention. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with good knowledge (having mean overall knowledge score above 19.56). A total of 535 females were included in the analysis. The mean overall knowledge score was 19.56 ± 5.28, ranging from 10 to 36, with a median of 19. Participants from medical faculties were nearly twice as likely to have good knowledge compared with those from nonmedical faculties (adjusted odds ratio = 1.92, 95% confidence interval: 1.22-3.02; P = .005). Additionally, second-year students across all faculties showed significantly higher odds of having good knowledge compared with first-year students (adjusted odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-2.86; P = .049). Regarding treatment and prevention knowledge of trachoma, 237 participants (44.3%) reported eye drops only as the main treatment, while 222 (41.5%) identified antibiotics. Azithromycin was identified by 127 females (23.7%) as commonly used antibiotic in endemic areas. The current study demonstrated inadequate level of awareness of trachoma among the Jordanian women. Being in a medical faculty and in the second year of college were significantly associated with better knowledge of trachoma. Greater efforts must be done to develop effective public health education programs on trachoma, its symptoms and complications, and its management and preventive measures, in order to improve awareness and help in the process of controlling trachoma transmission, especially among first-year, nonmedical faculties students.