OBJECTIVES

Trachoma is primarily transmitted through direct contact, and its complications-such as trichiasis and corneal opacity-significantly impair patients' quality of life and result in substantial productivity losses. This study explores the differences in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and prevalence of trachoma globally, across regions with varying Socio-demographic Index (SDI) levels, and in China, while also projecting future trends specific to China.

METHOD

This study, based on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, utilized Joinpoint regression to analyze temporal trends in the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of trachoma in China from 1990 to 2021. The age-period-cohort (APC) model is used to estimate the net effects of age, period, and cohort on disease burden. Through decomposition analysis, the impact of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes on trachoma disease burden is explored. In addition, the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model was used to project trends in the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate and prevalence over the next 15 years, offering valuable insights for optimizing prevention and control strategies and consolidating achievements in disease elimination.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2021, the ASPR and ASDR of trachoma exhibited a consistent downward trend in China, globally, and across regions with varying SDI levels. In 2021, the crude prevalence and crude DALYs rates of trachoma in China increased with age, reaching their peak in the 70-74-year age group. Marked disparities were observed among different SDI regions, with high-SDI areas recording the lowest prevalence and DALYs burden, while low-SDI regions experienced the highest. It is expected that from 2022 to 2036, the ASPR and ASDR of male and female populations aged 15 and above in China will both show a downward trend and continue to approach 0.

CONCLUSION

The continuous decline in the burden of trachoma disease in China from 1990 to 2021 indicates significant achievements in trachoma prevention and treatment. However, attention still needs to be paid to the elderly population aged 60 and above, and health education for the entire population should be strengthened to reduce the disease burden caused by trachoma in China.