Abstract:
Background: Trachoma is a leading preventable infectious eye disease caused by repeated infection with eye strains of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis in developing countries that have poor environmental sanitation, inadequate water supply and poor socio-economic status. The disease is still a major public health problem in some countries including Ethiopia despite the different efforts being made. Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of active trachoma among children age 1-9 years old in Maksegnit town, Gondar Zuria Woreda, North Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Cross-sectional community based study was conducted in April 2012. Atotal of 420children (age1-9 years old) from 420 households were included in the study. All children were examined for trachoma by Optometrists and Ophthalmic officer using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified clinical grading system. Interviews and observations were used to assess risk factors. Descriptive statistics was carried out for variables in the study and OR with 95% CI was used to assess the association between the potential risk factors and active trachoma. Results: A total of 420 children 1 to 9 years old from 420 households were included in the study. The overall participation rate was 99.8%. The prevalence of active trachoma was found to be100(23.8 %). The prevalence was detected in57(13.6%)and43(10.2%) males and female children respectively. Unclean face (AOR=4.12;95%CI: 1.92, 8.81), flies on face (AOR=2.310;95%CI:1.32, 4.05)and using wood and animal dung as a source of energy for cooking (AOR=2.190; 95%CI: 1.152,4.163)were independent predictors of active trachoma. Conclusion: Trachoma is still a major public health problem in the study area as more than 10% of children with the active form of the disease were in the age group 1 to 9years.Trachoma prevention programs that include smoke-free source of energy such as electricity, active fly control, and hygiene education are recommended to lower the burden of trachoma in Maksegnit town.