Magnitude of Active Trachoma Among Host and Refugee Children in Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Trachoma is a serious public health concern and cause of blindness globally. Despite its vulnerability to all ages, children are more vulnerable to its adverse outcomes and devastating complications. This study assessed the magnitude of trachoma among children in host and refugee communities in Gambella, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based comparative survey was done among 743 participants. Multistage sampling technique was used to select participants. Selected children were examined for trachoma using a 2.5x binocular loupe and graded using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified grading system. A standardized, structured, and pretested tool was used to collect the data. Data were collected through interviews and observation. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the associated factors. Variable with a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The magnitude of active trachoma was 119 (16.5%; 95% CI: 13.5, 21.4) with 36 (14.5%; 95% CI: 11.9, 18.8) and 83 (17.5%; 95% CI: 14.3, 22.7) from refugees and host communities, respectively. Poor knowledge of caregiver about trachoma [AOR = 3.55, 95% CI: (1.48, 8.85)], presence of human feces near the house [AOR = 4.57, 95% CI: (1.84, 11.34)], presence of garbage near the house [AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: (1.34, 12.36)], and the presence of flies on the face of the child [AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: (1.32, 8.84)] were significantly associated factors with active trachoma.

Conclusion

Overall, one-sixth of children had experienced active trachoma. The magnitude of trachoma was higher in the host community compared to the refugees. Proper waste disposal and personal hygiene measures are important measures that should be addressed to tackle the problem.

Keywords:

• active trachoma
• children
• host communities
• refugees
• Gambella
• Ethiopia

Abbreviations

ARRA, Agency for Refugee and Returnee Affairs; HH, Household; NGO, Nongovernmental organization; TF, Trachomatous inflammation follicular; TI, Trachomatous inflammation intense; TT, Trachoma Trichiasis; UNHCR, United Nations higher commission for refugees; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

The study was conducted following the declaration of Helsinki on human subjects. After the purpose, benefit and risk were briefed, informed consent was obtained from the caregivers of study participants. Ethical clearance was secured by Mettu University Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee (IHRERC) and official permission was obtained from the Gambella regional health bureau and Itang district health office and ARRA municipal. All WHO COVID-19 prevention and control measures were followed throughout the study period.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank data collectors and supervisors for their cooperation during the data collection period.

Author Contributions

Both authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that there is no conflicts of interest in this work.