Prevalence of and risk factors for trachoma in Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia: results of 79 population-based prevalence surveys conducted with the Global Trachoma Mapping Project

Summary

The purpose of this study undertaken between 2012 and 2014 was to determine the prevalence of trachoma in Oromia, Ethiopia. The study divided the suspected-endemic population living in 252 woredas lacking programme-ready trachoma data into 79 evaluation units (EUs), and used the standardised methodologies of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project.

The results demonstrated that the prevalence of active trachoma (TF) was above the WHO threshold for elimination as a public health problem in 64 EUs – therein calling for the mass distribution of azithromycin, together with facial cleanliness and environmental improvement. The prevalence of trichiasis among adults was above the WHO elimination threshold of 0.2% in 72 EUs; the odds of trichiasis was 3.96 times higher in women than in men: highlighting the need to tailor the trichiasis management approach to the needs of women.