Trachoma rapid assessment (tra) at Kersa District, Jimma zone, Oromiya region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background- Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. It is caused by C.Trachomatis, and if not treated can cause irreversible blindness. Problem with trachoma can be treated by antibiotics (active trachoma) or surgery (trachomatous trichiasis). This study was conducted to assess the magnitude of trachoma and selected risk factors for trachoma in high risk communities in Kersa district Jimma Zone. Oromia Region, Ethiopiaas knowledge of the magnitude of trachoma will help make appropriate plans of intervention Methodology- A WHO guideline for Trachoma Rapid Assessment (TRA) was used. Six sub districts were selected from Kersa district based on primary high risk assessment. from each ub-district 21-27 households that make up 50 children (1-9 years of age) were randomly selected. Active trachoma for children 1-9 years. trachomatous trichiasis for people over 15 years of age and environmental risk factors for trichiasis were assessed. Results- The prevalence estimate of active trachoma in the studied sub districts was 25.8% • (ranging from 9.8(1'0-42.3%). Forty three percent (..J.3(y(») of children had unclean bees. 17% of households have water source more than hall' hour walking distance. 24% did not have functional latrine. and 95.2% of the households have solid waste within 20mcters of the households. Prevalence estimate of trachomatous trichiasis was 4.5%. Households with environmental risk factors were found to be at increased risk to active trachoma. hut the association was no statistically significant (p>O.05). Conclusion and recommendation- Even though most people in the study area have functional latrine and reside closer to water sources. there was high prevalence estimate of active trachoma which might indicate poor utilization of water and latrine, despite its availability Trachoma is. therefore, a public health problem and mass treatment or trachoma with antibiotics should be carried out.