02135nas a2200193 4500000000100000008004100001653000900042653001300051653003200064100001400096700001300110700001200123245010200135856008000237300000700317490000600324520159700330022001401927 2012 d10aWASH10aTrachoma10aNeglected Tropical Diseases1 aMahande M1 aMazigo H1 aKweka E00aAssociation between water related factors and active trachoma in Hai district, Northern Tanzania. uhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3710161/pdf/2049-9957-1-10.pdf a100 v13 a

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and is mainly associated with poor water accessibility. However, these associations have never been demonstrated in some of the communities, especially in northern Tanzania. To cover that gap, the present case control study was conducted to assess the association of water related factors, general hygiene and active trachoma among preschool and school age children in Hai district, northern Tanzania.

RESULTS: Families reported to use > 60 litres of water per day were less likely to have active disease (OR= 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1 - 0.3; P<0.001) compared to households collecting ≤ 60 litres. The risk of having trachoma increased with increase in distance to the water point (OR= 6.5, 95% CI; 1.8 - 16.7; P= 0.003). Households members who reported to use < 2 liters of water for face washing were more likely to be trachomatous (OR= 5.12, 95% CI: 1.87-14.6, P = 0.001). Increased number of preschool children in the household was also associated with increased risk of active trachoma by 2.46 folds.

CONCLUSIONS: Improving water supply near the households and providing public health education focusing on improving households socio-economic status and individual hygiene especially in pre-school children in part will help to reduce the prevalence of the disease. In addition, integrating public health education with other interventions such as medical interventions remains important.

 

 

 

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