M M Rabiu1, A Abiose. 1. The National Eye Center, Kaduna, Nigeria. mrabiu@hotmail.com
Abstract
AIMS: A population-based cross-sectional survey for trachoma prevalence was conducted in a subdistrict of northern Nigeria. The objectives of the survey were to determine the magnitude and pattern of trachoma and the barriers to uptake of lid surgery in the area. METHODS: A total of 2903 people of all ages were examined out of 3715 registered eligible persons. The study population was chosen by a two-stage cluster random sampling technique. Each person was examined for signs of trachoma. The World Health Organization (WHO) simplified trachoma grading was used. Persons with trichiasis that had not attended hospital were asked why they had not sought hospital treatment. RESULTS: A blindness prevalence of 1.5% (95% CI 0.4%-2.7%) was found in the study population. About 20% of the blindness were due to trachoma. The prevalence of trichiasis among women 15 years and above was found to be 8.6% (95% CI 6.8%-10.7%). The prevalence of active trachoma among children was 11.8% (95% CI 10.1%-13.3%). Over 90% of people with trichiasis have not sought medical attention. The major identified factor that prevents people from accessing hospital treatment for trichiasis was cost (57%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that trachoma is of public health significance in this area; as such, an effective trachoma control program with emphasis on lid surgery should be established.
AIMS: A population-based cross-sectional survey for trachoma prevalence was conducted in a subdistrict of northern Nigeria. The objectives of the survey were to determine the magnitude and pattern of trachoma and the barriers to uptake of lid surgery in the area. METHODS: A total of 2903 people of all ages were examined out of 3715 registered eligible persons. The study population was chosen by a two-stage cluster random sampling technique. Each person was examined for signs of trachoma. The World Health Organization (WHO) simplified trachoma grading was used. Persons with trichiasis that had not attended hospital were asked why they had not sought hospital treatment. RESULTS: A blindness prevalence of 1.5% (95% CI 0.4%-2.7%) was found in the study population. About 20% of the blindness were due to trachoma. The prevalence of trichiasis among women 15 years and above was found to be 8.6% (95% CI 6.8%-10.7%). The prevalence of active trachoma among children was 11.8% (95% CI 10.1%-13.3%). Over 90% of people with trichiasis have not sought medical attention. The major identified factor that prevents people from accessing hospital treatment for trichiasis was cost (57%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that trachoma is of public health significance in this area; as such, an effective trachoma control program with emphasis on lid surgery should be established.
Authors: Jeremy D Keenan; J Moncada; T Gebre; B Ayele; M C Chen; S N Yu; P M Emerson; N E Stoller; C E McCulloch; B D Gaynor; J Schachter Journal: Trop Med Int Health Date: 2011-11-28 Impact factor: 2.622
Authors: Saul N Rajak; Esmael Habtamu; Helen A Weiss; Amir Bedri; Teshome Gebre; Robin L Bailey; David C W Mabey; Peng T Khaw; Clare E Gilbert; Paul M Emerson; Matthew J Burton Journal: Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci Date: 2011-10-10 Impact factor: 4.799
Authors: Saul N Rajak; Esmael Habtamu; Helen A Weiss; Amir Bedri; Teshome Gebre; Asrat Genet; Peng T Khaw; Robin L Bailey; David C W Mabey; Clare E Gilbert; Paul M Emerson; Matthew J Burton Journal: Ophthalmology Date: 2011-10-05 Impact factor: 12.079
Authors: Saul N Rajak; Esmael Habtamu; Helen A Weiss; Amir Bedri; Mulat Zerihun; Teshome Gebre; Clare E Gilbert; Paul M Emerson; Matthew J Burton Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2012-08-28