Yirdaw Getasew, Tegegne Eniyew
Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara, Ethiopia.
Environ Health Insights. 2024 Dec 13;18:11786302241306933. doi: 10.1177/11786302241306933. eCollection 2024.
Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, particularly impacting the poorest nations, including Ethiopia.
To assess knowledge, practice, and associated factors of trachoma transmission and prevention among primary school students in Addis Zemen town, South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 407 randomly selected primary school students (grades 5-8), aged 10 to 24 years. Data collection included face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and an observation checklist. Epi-data version 4.2.0.0 and SPSS version 20 were used to enter and analyze the collected data, respectively. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistical method and using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Variables with a P-value <.05 with a 95% CI were considered to have statistical significance.
The study has a response rate of 98.25%, with a total of 400 respondents. 74.00% of the respondents knew about trachoma transmission and prevention, and 71.50% practiced preventive measures, such as face washing. Respondents in Grades 7 and 8, aged 12 to 24 years (AOR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.93, 4.64), information about trachoma (AOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.56, 4.21), and urban residence (AOR: 3.42, 95% CI: 2.56, 5.23) were determinants of knowledge regarding trachoma transmission and prevention. Meanwhile, the mother's occupation (government employee) (AOR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.83, 6.91) and overall knowledge about trachoma (AOR: 4.87, 95% CI: 2.95, 8.53) were significant predictors of the practice of trachoma transmission prevention.
While the level of knowledge and practice regarding trachoma transmission and prevention was relatively high, 26.00% of respondents still lacked adequate knowledge, and 28.50% did not practice prevention measures. To reduce the spread of trachoma and enhance public health outcomes, targeted interventions focusing on education about transmission and prevention strategies such as promoting face washing and proper sanitation should be prioritized in this area.
沙眼是全球失明的主要传染性病因，尤其对包括埃塞俄比亚在内的最贫困国家产生影响。
评估2022年埃塞俄比亚西北部南贡德尔阿迪斯泽门镇小学生中沙眼传播与预防的知识、实践及相关因素。
对407名年龄在10至24岁之间、随机选取的小学生（5至8年级）进行了一项基于机构的横断面研究。数据收集包括使用结构化问卷进行面对面访谈和一份观察清单。分别使用Epi - data 4.2.0.0版和SPSS 20版来录入和分析所收集的数据。使用描述性统计方法以及双变量和多变量逻辑回归模型对数据进行分析。P值<0.05且95%置信区间的变量被认为具有统计学意义。
该研究的应答率为98.25%，共有400名受访者。74.00%的受访者了解沙眼传播与预防知识，71.50%的受访者采取了预防措施，如洗脸。7至8年级、年龄在12至24岁的受访者（调整后比值比：2.67，95%置信区间：1.93，4.64）、关于沙眼的信息（调整后比值比：2.30，95%置信区间：1.56，4.21）以及城市居住情况（调整后比值比：3.42，95%置信区间：2.56，5.23）是沙眼传播与预防知识的决定因素。同时，母亲的职业（政府雇员）（调整后比值比：2.50，95%置信区间：1.83，6.91）以及对沙眼的总体了解（调整后比值比：4.87，95%置信区间：2.95，8.53）是沙眼传播预防实践的重要预测因素。
虽然关于沙眼传播与预防的知识和实践水平相对较高，但仍有26.00%的受访者缺乏足够的知识，28.50%的受访者未采取预防措施。为减少沙眼传播并改善公共卫生结果，该地区应优先开展有针对性的干预措施，重点是宣传传播和预防策略，如推广洗脸和适当的卫生设施。
