Trachoma among adults in Damot Gale District, South Ethiopia.

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of trachoma and its risk factors among adults in the Damot Gale District of south Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, community based survey was conducted in the Damot Gale District of south Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select subjects.

RESULTS

Out of 924 eligible subjects, 855 were examined, for a response rate of 92.5%. Active trachoma [follicles (TF), intense inflammation (TI) or TF/TI] was found in 20.6% (95% CI: 17.8-23.4%) of the subjects. The prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and corneal opacity (CO) was 6.8% (95% CI: 5.1-8.5%) and 2.1% (95% CI: 1.0-3.1%), respectively. Females were affected by active trachoma twice as often as males [OR 2.13 (95% CI: 1.67-3.50, P<0.0001)]. The prevalence of blinding trachoma (TT and CO) was also significantly higher among females [OR 3.03 (95% CI: 1.58-5.89, P<0.001)]. Literacy and face washing were found to be significantly associated with less prevalence of active trachoma.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of both active and cicatricial trachoma among adults residing in the Damot Gale District of south Ethiopia is very high. Although children are the main reservoirs of active trachoma, intervention strategies should address the fact that a high prevalence of active trachoma is also found among adults residing in hyperendemic areas.