Understanding the role of gender in trichiasis case finding in Tanzania
Summary
The primary objective was to explain the gender differences, if any, in how male and female trachomatous trichiasis (TT) case finders carry out their work in two districts of Tanzania. This case study was conducted in two districts in Tanzania in 2021-2022. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Across both districts, more males were trained as case finders (68%).
Productivity differences were minor and not statistically significant between male and female case finders regarding the number of households visited and the number of adults examined. Similar proportions of men and women suspected to have TT were subsequently managed, regardless if identified by male or female case finders. Overall, the findings do not suggest that gender balance in the recruitment of TT case finders would have led to better TT campaign outcomes in the study districts. Although programmes may benefit from integrating gender considerations in the design and implementation of case finding activities to enhance impact.