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. 2016 Dec;23(6):392-405.
doi: 10.1080/09286586.2016.1243717. Epub 2016 Nov 7.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Trachoma in Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia: Results of 79 Population-Based Prevalence Surveys Conducted with the Global Trachoma Mapping Project

Berhanu Bero  1 , Colin Macleod  2   3 , Wondu Alemayehu  1   4 , Solomon Gadisa  5 , Ahmed Abajobir  1 , Yilikal Adamu  6 , Menbere Alemu  7 , Liknaw Adamu  8 , Michael Dejene  9 , Addis Mekasha  5 , Zelalem Habtamu Jemal  5 , Damtew Yadeta  5 , Oumer Shafi  10 , Genet Kiflu  10 , Rebecca Willis  11 , Rebecca M Flueckiger  11 , Brian K Chu  11 , Alexandre L Pavluck  11 , Anthony W Solomon  2 ; Global Trachoma Mapping Project
Affiliations

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Trachoma in Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia: Results of 79 Population-Based Prevalence Surveys Conducted with the Global Trachoma Mapping Project

Berhanu Bero et al. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: To complete the baseline trachoma map in Oromia, Ethiopia, by determining prevalences of trichiasis and trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) at evaluation unit (EU) level, covering all districts (woredas) without current prevalence data or active control programs, and to identify factors associated with disease.

Methods: Using standardized methodologies and training developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, we conducted cross-sectional community-based surveys from December 2012 to July 2014.

Results: Teams visited 46,244 households in 2037 clusters from 252 woredas (79 EUs). A total of 127,357 individuals were examined. The overall age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of trichiasis in adults was 0.82% (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.70-0.94%), with 72 EUs covering 240 woredas having trichiasis prevalences above the elimination threshold of 0.2% in those aged ≥15 years. The overall age-adjusted TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds was 23.4%, with 56 EUs covering 218 woredas shown to need implementation of the A, F and E components of the SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement) for 3 years before impact surveys. Younger age, female sex, increased time to the main source of water for face-washing, household use of open defecation, low mean precipitation, low mean annual temperature, and lower altitude, were independently associated with TF in children. The 232 woredas in 64 EUs in which TF prevalence was ≥5% require implementation of the F and E components of the SAFE strategy.

Conclusion: Both active trachoma and trichiasis are highly prevalent in much of Oromia, constituting a significant public health problem for the region.

Keywords: Ethiopia; Global Trachoma Mapping Project; Oromia; prevalence; risk factors; trachoma; trichiasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of woredas with previous trachoma mapping, or in which interventions against trachoma had commenced prior to the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2012.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Prevalence of trachomatous inflammation – follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years by evaluation unit, Global Trachoma Mapping Project, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2012–2014.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Prevalence of trichiasis in adults aged ≥15 years, Global Trachoma Mapping Project, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2012–2014.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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