Blinding trachoma in postconflict southern Sudan
2006

Blinding Trachoma in Southern Sudan

Sample size: 3567 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Ngondi Jeremiah, Ole-Sempele Francis, Onsarigo Alice, Matende Ibrahim, Baba Samson, Reacher Mark, Matthews Fiona, Brayne Carol, Emerson Paul

Primary Institution: Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of trachoma and its impact on visual impairment in Mankien payam, Southern Sudan?

Conclusion

Trachoma is a serious public health problem in Mankien, with a high prevalence of trichiasis, especially in children.

Supporting Evidence

  • The prevalence of active trachoma in children aged 1–9 years was 63.3%.
  • 9.6% of the sample population had trichiasis.
  • The study found a high prevalence of trachoma-related corneal opacity at 7.3%.
  • An estimated 5,344 persons in Mankien require trichiasis surgery.

Takeaway

Trachoma is a disease that can make people go blind, and many kids in Southern Sudan are affected by it, so we need to help them get treatment.

Methodology

A population-based cross-sectional survey with two-stage cluster random sampling was conducted.

Potential Biases

The random walk method for household selection may have introduced bias in estimating trachoma prevalence.

Limitations

The study may have overestimated the prevalence of trachoma due to absentees being more likely not to have the condition.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 3,567 persons, with 2,017 children under 15 years and 1,550 adults.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI for TF: 54.5%–60.4%; TI: 36.3%–43.5%; TT: 8.4%–10.9%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0030478

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