Risk factors for active trachoma in children and trichiasis in adults: a household survey in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Identification of risk factors is essential for planning and implementing effective trachoma control programmes. We aimed to investigate risk factors for active trachoma and trichiasis in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. A survey was undertaken and eligible participants (children aged 1-9 years and adults aged 15 years and above) examined for trachoma. Risk factors were assessed through interviews and observations. Using ordinal logistic regression, associations between signs of active trachoma in children and potential risk factors were explored. Associations between trichiasis in adults and potential risk factors were investigated using conventional logistic regression. A total of 5427 children from 2845 households and 9098 adults from 4039 households were included in the analysis. Ocular discharge [odds ratio (OR) = 5.9; 95% CI 4.8-7.2], nasal discharge (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.3-1.9), thatch roof in household (OR = 1.3; 95% CI 1.0-1.5), no electricity in household (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.3) and increasing altitude (Ptrend < 0.001) were independently associated with severity of active trachoma. Trichiasis was associated with increasing age (ORper 5 year increase = 1.5; 95% CI 1.4-1.7), female gender (OR = 4.5; 95% CI 3.5-5.8), increasing prevalence of active trachoma in children (Ptrend = 0.003) and increasing altitude (Ptrend = 0.015). © 2008 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.