Abstract
BackgroundTrachoma is a worldwide infectious disease causing blindness. Trachoma continued as a public health problem in Ethiopia due to a lack of sanitation and inadequate prevention strategies. This study aimed to identify the impact of water supply and sanitation intervention on preventing active trachoma among children.MethodsSystematic literature searches were performed from 4 international databases. The search involved articles published from January 1995 up to March 2019. The Cochran Q and I2 statistical tests were used to check heterogeneity among the studies. A random-effect meta-analysis was employed to determine the pooled estimates with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Data analysis was performed using the CMA V.3 and RevMan 5 software program, and the result of the systematic review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.FindingsOut of 211 studies screened for the analysis, only 29 studies were finally included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The result revealed factors that are significantly associated with increased odds of active trachoma. Accordingly, households with no access to toilet facilities (odds ratio [OR]: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.75–2.38), no access to improved water (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.27–1.96), and do not practice regular face washing for children (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 3.02–5.81) have shown increased odds of active trachoma. Besides, the results show a higher prevalence of active trachoma among children who did not wash their faces with soap and frequently.ConclusionsThe study found strong evidence that lack of access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) was associated with increased prevalence of active trachoma among children. Therefore, a comprehensive and partnership-oriented program is needed to tackle the problem, but further study will be required to strengthen its implementation.
Highlights
IntroductionAccording to a recent study, the prevalence of active trachoma among children in Ethiopia was ranged between 10.3% [7] and 74.3% [8], which was higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) elimination target [9]
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Variables such as the absence of a latrine, not using a latrine, lack of improved water access, not washing face frequently, and not using soap during face washing were significantly associated with increased odds of active trachoma
Summary
According to a recent study, the prevalence of active trachoma among children in Ethiopia was ranged between 10.3% [7] and 74.3% [8], which was higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) elimination target [9]. Specific WHO elimination target criteria for active trachoma as a public health problem is a prevalence of TF of
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