Prevalence and distribution of trachoma in the Luapula Valley, Zambia.

A cross-sectional population based study was done to provide information on the extent to which xerophthalmia and trachoma contribute to blindness in the valley population. A total of 4271 children aged under 6 years and 2503 individuals aged 6 years and more were examined. The overall prevalence of trachoma for those under 6 years of age was 17.6%, the majority of which were graded as follicular trachomatous inflammation. The trend in age specific prevalence was highly significant (x2 = 160.6, p = 0.000). Prevalence by sex was also significantly different (z = 2.0, P less than 0.05). Among those aged greater or equal to 6 years, 331 (13.2%) had trachoma. Complications of trachoma (trichiasis and opacities) were common in this age group compared to those under 6 years of age. There were no differences in prevalence by district either in children or adults. This survey provides some of the first reliable data on prevalence of trachoma in this population and that it is a significant public health problem in the valley. The magnitude of severe complications from trachoma is low in this community, this may mean that the trachoma seen is the non-blinding type. We conclude that trachoma is of public health importance in the valley but is not a major cause of blindness.