Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share By
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Trachoma in Rural Areas of Sistan-Va-Baluchestan Province, Iran: A Population-Based Study Publisher Pubmed



Katibeh M1 ; Hosseini S2 ; Yaseri M3 ; Aminifar MN4 ; Mahdavi A2 ; Jafarinasab MR2 ; Javadi MA2
Authors

Source: Ophthalmic Epidemiology Published:2015


Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of trachoma and risk factors associated with the disease in rural areas of the Sistan-va-Baluchestan province in Iran from 2012-2013. Population-based prevalence data for trachoma is lacking in this region. Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study, 80 clusters were selected using a systematic and probability proportional to size method. All participants underwent clinical eye examinations according to the World Health Organization simplified trachoma grading system. The prevalence of follicular trachoma (TF) in children aged 1-9 years and the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in women aged over 15 years were the most important clinical indicators of trachoma. Results: The study surveyed 8187 individuals and analyzed 7912 participants (96.6%) including 3737 children aged 1-9 years and 4175 females >15 years. The prevalence of TF and TT in the relevant indicator groups were 0.59% (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.36-0.89%) and 0.02% (95% CI 0.00-0.13%), respectively. Conclusion: Previously, trachoma prevalence data for this region were lacking. This study confirms that the Sistan-va-Baluchestan region is not endemic for trachoma. This has important implications for national trachoma elimination activities. © Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.