Factors Associated with Active Trachoma among Children in Ebinat District, South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Despite the availability of effective prevention strategies and treatments, trachoma is still the major cause of infectious blindness worldwide. The majority of blindness from trachoma is currently reported from sub-Saharan Africa, with the greatest burden in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with active trachoma among children aged 1-9 years in Ebinat District. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Ebinat District, South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia from March 1-30 2018. A multi-stage random cluster sampling technique was employed and all children 1–9 years old from the selected households were clinically examined for trachoma by ophthalmic nurses using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified clinical grading scheme. A total of 565 children were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with active trachoma among children. Result The overall prevalence of active trachoma was 36.1% (95% CI: 32.0% - 40.0%). Of all active trachoma cases, 26.5% and 9.6% were trachomatous follicular and trachomatous follicular-intense respectively. Discharge on the eye (AOR=8.23; 95% CI: 4.27-15.87), presence of liquid waste around the main house (AOR=2.31; 95% CI: 1.47-3.61), presence of human feces around the main house (AOR=2.64; 95% CI: 1.61-4.35), unclean faces (AOR= 5.71; 95% CI: 2.18 – 14.96), not washing face and hands frequently (AOR= 2.28; 95% CI: 1.33-3.90), not using soap while washing face and hands (AOR=1.95; 95% CI: 1.21-3.34), and having more flies on children’s face (AOR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.12-2.73) were significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion and recommendation Active trachoma is a major public health problem among children in the Ebinat District. Surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics for active disease, facial hygiene, and environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy at school and community are recommended to lower the burden of trachoma in the Ebinat District, Northwest Ethiopia.