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Absence of a relationship between malnutrition and trachoma in preschool children

D Fine1, S West

  • 1Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287-9019, USA.

Ophthalmic Epidemiology
|June 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

This study found no association between malnutrition and clinical trachoma in Tanzanian children, despite both conditions being common. Further research into subclinical infections is suggested.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness globally.
  • Malnutrition is prevalent in many developing countries, impacting child health.
  • Understanding co-existing conditions like trachoma and malnutrition is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential association between malnutrition and clinical trachoma in children.
  • To assess the prevalence of trachoma and malnutrition in a trachoma-endemic region of Tanzania.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 189 children aged 1-5 years in Tanzania.
  • Clinical examination for active trachoma using the WHO simplified grading scheme.
  • Measurement of mid-upper arm circumference to assess nutritional status.

Main Results:

  • 57% of children exhibited trachoma, with 9% having severe trachoma.
  • Malnutrition, defined by arm circumference or deviation from age-specific means, was common.
  • No statistically significant association was found between malnutrition and the presence of trachoma or severe trachoma.

Conclusions:

  • While both trachoma and malnutrition are prevalent in the studied population, no direct relationship was identified.
  • The findings suggest that malnutrition may not be a significant risk factor for clinical trachoma in this context.
  • Further research is recommended to explore the nutritional status of children with subclinical trachoma infections.
Abstract

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