Uptake of Trachoma Trichiasis Surgery and Associated Factors Among Trichiasis-Diagnosed Clients in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Trachoma is the most common infectious cause of blindness in the globe. Trichiasis surgery is the best treatment option for this disease. Despite efforts done to eliminate blinding trachoma, there is limited evidence on the surgical uptake of trachoma trichiasis in Ethiopia. This study was aimed to assess the uptake of trachoma trichiasis surgery in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methods

Mixed cross-sectional study was employed among 409 participants. Study participants were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. Pretested and interviewer-administered data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was done to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratios 95% CI was estimated to show the strength and direction. Variables with p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. For qualitative data, 4 focus group discussions were conducted with 40 participants and described by thematic analysis then triangulated with quantitative findings.

Results

About 234 (57.9%, 95% CI: (53.2, 62.9)) participants utilized trachoma trichiasis surgery (TT). History of trachoma trichiasis (TT) for >2 years [AOR: 0.4, 95% CI: (0.22, 0.72)], informed about surgery program by health workers [AOR: 0.3, 95% CI: (0.13, 0.71)], history of TT surgery [AOR: 0.18, 95% CI: (0.05, 0.6)], absence of someone to care the family [AOR: 14, 95% CI: (6.9, 28.6)], companion [AOR: 8.9, 95% CI: (4.3, 18.3)], nearby health facility [AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: (1.1, 5.4)], work load [AOR: 8.8, 95% CI: (4.6, 17)], fear [AOR: 4.3, 95% CI: (1.8, 10)], and believing eye drop can treat TT [AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: (1.4, 11)] were significantly associated factors.

Conclusion

More than half of the participants accepted the TT surgical uptake. Strengthening community awareness on proper eye care, and effective treatment options, and addressing the negative attitude towards surgical treatment in the community are important measures to achieve the elimination target of trachoma.

Keywords:

• trachoma trichiasis
• surgery
• uptake
• Tigray
• Ethiopia

Abbreviations

FGD, focused group discussion; HDA, health development armies; SAFE, surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements; TT, trachoma trichiasis; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Ethical Consideration

The study was conducted following the declaration of Helsinki on human subjects. After the purpose, benefit and risk was briefed, informed consent was obtained from the study participants, who were all 18 years of age or older. Ethical clearance was secured by Mekelle University Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee (IHRERC). A formal letter was given by Mekelle University to Tigray Regional Health Bureau, southern zone district health offices, and each public health facility.

Acknowledgments

We would like to appreciate Mekele University and Southern Tigray for their support. Our appreciation also extends to participants for sharing their valuable information. We would like to be grateful to the Ethiopian field Epidemiology training program for providing financial support. Finally, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to data collectors and supervisors for their support throughout the data collection process.

Author Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published, and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors reported no conflicts of interest for this work.

Additional information

Funding

The financial issue for this work was supported by the Ethiopian field Epidemiology training program.