Use of an inexpensive magnifier with light source in the diagnosis of trichiasis among community-based case finders in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Trichiasis case finding is challenging in many trachoma endemic countries. We sought to determine how the use of an inexpensive hand-held magnifier with light source aids in the diagnosis of people with trichiasis.

Methods: We undertook a study on the use of the “Wilson”, an inexpensive hand-held magnifier with light source between two groups of trained case finders: community drug distributors (CDD) volunteers and non-health volunteers. Each group was randomly allocated to be provided a Wilson or not. We compared the number of people with suspected trichiasis and the proportion of true cases referred by each group. Focus group discussions explored the perceptions of the case finders that used the Wilson on its utility in the diagnosis of trichiasis and its ease of use.

Results: Among the 121 case finders, 61 were CDD volunteers (31 were provided the Wilson) and 60 were non-health worker volunteers (30 were provided the Wilson). Case finders that used the Wilson were 4.57 times (95% CI 2.46–8.47) more likely to have patients presenting confirmed as trichiasis compared to those not using the Wilson. Case finders that used the Wilson felt the instrument was easy to use, enlarged the eyelashes and made diagnoses of trichiasis easier.

Discussion: In Nigeria it appears that the Wilson is easy to handle and use among trichiasis case finders enhances the diagnosis of trichiasis.

KEYWORDS:

• Trichiasis
• trachoma
• case finding
• Nigeria

Acknowledgements

The Wilson devices used in this study were provided free of charge by the manufacturer to whom we are thankful. The research was carried out within the context of the DFID and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust supported trachoma programmes in Nigeria.