Barriers to effective trachoma control among children aged 1-9 years old in Magadi division, Kajiado county, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2014-10-03
Authors
Nyamwaro., Christine Moraa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium transmitted by direct spread
of infected ocular material from one person to another. The spread of trachoma is by flies
(Musca sorbens), fingers and formites. The environmental risk factors that facilitate
transmission include dry environment, dirty home environment and discharge (on face,
eyes, nose & ears) from the infected individual. Trachoma is a disease of poverty
particularly affecting children and their mothers. This disease remains the principal cause
of preventable blindness globally. With the establishment of the Global Elimination of
Blinding Trachoma by 2020 (GET 2020) goal, the World Health Organization (WHO)
has set an ambitious target for country programs. SAFE strategy which is currently
recommended and stands for; surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics for active disease, facial
cleanliness, and environmental change to reduce tmnsmission targets all key elements
believed to be necessary for a short- and long-term intervention program. Even with those
things on the ground, the prevalence of trachoma is still high. The study's general
objective will be to determine the barriers to effective trachoma control among children
aged 1-9 years. The Specific objectives will be to determine socio cultural barriers to
latrine coverage and usage in Kajiado County, to explore hygiene practices among
caregivers to children 1-9 years old in Kajiado and to determine access and utilization of
water by households in Kajiado County. In order to conduct this study, a descriptive
cross-sectional study will be conducted. Therefore, 310 children who meet the study
criteria will be randomly sampled for study but their mothers or guardians will be the
reference persons. Kajiado County is selected because the prevalence rates for infectious
and blinding trachoma are 28.1% and 3.3% respectively and WHO defines trachoma as a
district wide public health problem when the active infection and blinding trachoma are
10% and 1% respectively. Kajiado County will be sampled using multi stage cluster
sampling; sub-location will be the cluster. Sample size will be distributed among the
clusters Data will be collected using interviewer administered questionnaire, FGDs and
IDIs. Quantitative data will be managed using SPSS version 20 which will be
triangulated using qualitative data. Qualitative data will be in vivo coded for thematic
mentioned. Data will be analyzed for relationships and exploratory constructs, The study
results will be used to by the Ministry of health, AMREF, JCTC and key health sector
partners in designing of interventions in the prevention and control of trachoma to
strengthen guidance for health policy formulation and emphasize on all the key
components of the SAFE strategy.
Description
School of Public Health