Prevalence of active trachoma and associated risk factors among children in Gazegibela district of Wagehemra Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Trachoma continues to be hyperendemic in many rural areas of Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of active trachoma among children in Gazegibela district, Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2015 among children aged 1-9 years. Data were collected through an interview and eye examinations. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Among 601 children, 315 (52.4 %) were positive for active trachoma. Of these cases, 49.1 % were trachomatous inflammation-follicular and 3.3 % were trachomatous inflammation-intense. Children from households using rivers and ponds as their source of drinking water were more likely to develop active trachoma compared to those from households using water from springs or hand-dug wells (aOR = 2.9, 95 % CI: 1.70-4.81). Children from farming households were more likely to develop active trachoma (AOR = 3.3, 95 % CI: 1.02-10.65), as were children from housholds that lacked a latrine (aOR = 12.9, 95 % CI: 5.96-28.29). Children who washed their face only once a day were more likely to have active trachoma compared to those who washed for two and more times a day (aOR = 2.6, 95 % CI: 1.43-4.72). CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of trachoma among children from Gazegibela district. Trachoma remains a public health challenge in this region, requiring intervention from the government and other stakeholders.