Impact Assessment of Active Trachoma Control in Garki Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria

Background: An estimated prevalence of trachoma inflammation – follicular (TF) of 20.9% was reported in Garki local government area (LGA). This led to annual mass azithromycin administration for three years targeted at eliminating TF in the LGA. This study was conducted to assess the impact of the mass azithromycin administration on prevalence of active trachoma in Garki LGA of Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey of children aged 1- 9 years was conducted in April 2015. The study size was empowered at the sub-district level as recommended by a WHO-led scientific meeting. Subjects were selected using a two-stage cluster randomized sampling at sub-district level. A total of 1,746 children were targeted to be examined in each of the 4 sub-districts of the LGA. Each study participant was assessed for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). The households were also interviewed and/or assessed on access to water, hygiene and sanitation. All findings were recorded into the data collection proforma.

Results: A response rate of 92.6% (n = 6,472) was obtained in the whole LGA and it ranged between 92.2% and 93% across the 4 sub-districts. The mean age of participants was 3.8 years (SD 2.47). The prevalence of TF was 13.6% (95% CI 12.8% – 14.5%) for the LGA and ranged between 9.2% to 16.5% across the sub-districts. The prevalence of TT was 0.1% (95% CI: 0.09% - 0.12%). Presence of active trachoma was significantly associated with dirty faces, presence of human feaces and animal dung around the house at p < 0.05.

Conclusion: Active trachoma is still hyperendemic in Garki Local Government Area of Jigawa State. There is need to undertake annual mass azithromycin distribution for additional 3 years before another impact assessment.