137
Views
55
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Article

Estimating the burden and economic impact of trachomatous visual loss

, , &
Pages 121-132 | Published online: 08 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Objective To estimate the burden (disability-adjusted life years) and economic impact (potential productivity loss) associated with trachomatous visual loss. Data National survey data on trachomatous blindness or visual impairment since 1980. Methods The primary results summarized studies for countries with known or suspected blinding trachoma within World Development Report demographic regions. The number of cases was based on the year 2000 population. The years of life with disability calculation used the age-sex distribution of trachomatous visual loss. The one-year potential productivity loss calculation used the agricultural value added per worker in 1998. Results Countries with known or suspected blinding trachoma have 3.8 million cases of blindness and 5.3 million cases of low vision and a potential productivity loss of $2.9 billion (1995 US $). Prevalent cases of trachomatous visual loss yield 39 million lifetime DALYs. Conclusions For resource allocation, the burden of disease can be compared with the expected costs of eradication of trachomatous blindness.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.