Cross-sectional survey of trachoma in school age children in the region ofThies (Senegal)

Background, Trachoma is a leading cause of blindness in West Africa. In Sen egal previous studies have shown that the endemicity is high. Aims. To verify the extent of the pathology and to study the epidemiologic characters of this infectious disease in a population of school age childre n in a rural zone, located in the Thies region (Senegal). Methods. A cross-sectional survey in six villages in the region of Thies wa s performed in a population of school age children (5 to 15 years old). Six ty variables (individual, family, village, etc.) with morbidity indicators for trachoma cases were collected and analyzed. Results. The cross-sectional survey confirmed the extent of the prevalence of trachoma in the childhood population; 208 of the 388 children (mean age, 9.19 years) included had trachoma (53.6%). Significant statistical correla tions were found among the occurrence of trachoma and ethnic origins, the v illage of residence, the fa-ther's profession and the daily quantity of wat er ingested and its origin. Inversely no correlation could be found between the occurrence of trachoma and sex, age (except for florid trachoma), the size of the sibship, whether the mother washes the child, washing their han ds before eating, the number of cospouses and the number of children per mo ther. Conclusions. The data obtained confirmed the extent of this endemic disease in the region of Thies, because dispensing antibiotic eye drop has limited efficacy over time. Information should be provided to the population on th e extent of the disease and its epidemiologic characteristics and more wide spread well drilling, and use of that water should be encouraged.