Changes of Trachoma in the past 20 years in Sichuan Province,China

Abstract

Objeetive To investigate the difference of prevalence,component ratios,different distribution of genders and residence area of the trachoma patients in different ages,to investigate the changes of trachoma over the past 20 years.Methods In 1987 and 2006,National Sampling Survey on Disabilities in Sichuan province was done by methods of multi-level,multi-phase,whole group and probability.The prevalence of trachoma and the distribution at different ages(every 5 years),on genders and between cities and countryside(rural vs urban)were compared between 1987 and 2006.Results In the survey of 1987,trachoma ranked 2nd with the prevalence of 172.8/100,000,while in 2006 it raked 8th with the prevalence of 58/100,000.In 1987 the patients of trachoma were from 35 to 80 years old,while in 2006,they were from 55 to 80 years old.In both investigations,patient of trachoma from countryside was significant more than that from cities.Conclusions In the past 20 years,the prevalence of trachoma was significantly reduced.Only quiet complications from trachoma can be found in the older ages living in remote rural area,while in the young and middle ages,it is rare.Due to the improvement in hygiene and carrying out the SAFE strategy in Sichuan province,trachoma will be further decreased,even eliminated in Sichuan in near future. Key words: Visual Disability; Trachoma; Epidemiology