Personal and environmental risk factors for active trachoma in children in Yobe state, north-eastern Nigeria

OBJECTIVE To determine the personal and environmental risk factors associated with trachoma in pre-school children in Yobe state, Nigeria. METHODS Total of 639 children aged 1-5 from 27 villages were examined in their households for clinical signs of trachoma. Personal and environmental risk factors were independently determined by an observer while clinical examination was being performed. RESULTS The prevalence of active trachoma was 35.7% (95% CI; 32.0-39.6) with prevalence of disease in boys being similar to girls. The highest prevalence was in children 2-3 years of age. The presence of flies on the face (OR 4.14; CI 2.72-6.29) and lack of a toilet in the compound (OR 2.11; CI 1.38-3.23) were independent risk factors for trachoma. CONCLUSION The prevalence of trachoma is high. Provision and use of toilets, education on personal and environmental hygiene improvements need to be emphasized as part of the Surgery Antibiotics Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement strategy.