Cost of Trachoma Surveys in 8 National Programs
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Chaoqun, Cromwell Elizabeth A., King Jonathan D., Mosher Aryc, Harding-Esch Emma M., Ngondi Jeremiah M., Emerson Paul M.
Primary Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology
Hypothesis
What are the costs associated with conducting population-based prevalence surveys for trachoma in various national programs?
Conclusion
The cost of conducting epidemiologically rigorous prevalence surveys should not be a barrier to program implementation or evaluation.
Supporting Evidence
- The median cost per district survey was $4,784.
- The median cost per cluster was $311.
- Field work comprised on average 69.9% of the total cost of a survey.
- Personnel costs in field work accounted for 40.4% of the total survey costs.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much it costs to check for trachoma in different places, showing that it's not too expensive to do these important health checks.
Methodology
Data were collected retrospectively from reports for 165 districts surveyed for trachoma prevalence using a cluster random sampling methodology.
Limitations
The data were reported retrospectively, and some costs may not have been captured; variations in the number of clusters surveyed may affect comparability.
Participant Demographics
Surveys conducted in Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Southern Sudan, and The Gambia.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
$3,508–$6,650
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website