MAGNITUDE OF TRACHOMA IN MEDICAL CAMPS AT DARFUR, SUDAN

Magnitude of Trachoma

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of trachoma and its potential risk factors in medical camps established by Pak Field Hospital in Darfur, Sudan.
Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Pak Fd Hospital (Level III) free medical camps in Nyala city, Darfur, Sudan from August 2009 to December 2009.
Patients and Methods: Out of 4326 patients reporting in medical camps, those with ocular symptoms/signs were evaluated for specific clinical signs of trachoma in accordance with WHO Trachoma Grading System. A comprehensive trachoma assessment proforma including patient demographic data, grading of trachoma signs and questionnaire about potential trachoma risk factors was completed for each eligible patient.
Results: Median age of the study population was 22 years (interquartile range 10-44 yrs). There were 43% males and 57% females with median household size 7 (interquartile range 5-8) persons. Overall prevalence of trachoma was 8.73% (378/4326) with 268 (70.9%) patients having active trachoma and 110 (29.1%) having cicatricial trachoma. The prevelance of active trachoma was much higher in younger population while cicatricial trachoma was more common in older age group.
Conclusion: Prevalence of potentially blinding trachoma in developing countries poses an arduous challenge for the healthcare authorities. Implementation of WHO recommended ‘SAFE’ strategy over the last decade has been successful in reducing the burden of trachoma in these countries.