Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Abstract

Coming National Program of Epidemiological Survey for Trachoma in China: Prevalence of Trachoma in Northern China

Zhou Yumei, Sun Xuguang, Wang Zhiqun, Li Ran and Ren Zhe

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for trachoma among primary school children in three north districts of China.

Methods: The survey was carried out in three north districts of China (Wuqiang county of Hebei province, Yinchuan city of Ningxia Huizu province, and Datong city of Shanxi province). Chester sampling survey was employed in this study. The general state of health and case history of those children were recorded. Sanitation status and habits of both respondent and household, knowledge of health-related issues and the condition of inhabitancy were also questioned. Trachoma was clinically diagnosed according to the simplified classification for trachoma proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). At the same time, Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) when the child was clinically diagnosed as trachoma.

Results: In Wuqiang county, out of 1622 primary school children, 333 children were clinically diagnosed as trachoma and the prevalence of trachoma was 20.5% (95%CI 18.5% to 22.5%). In Yinchuan city, out of 1883 primary school children, 577 children were diagnosed as trachoma and the prevalence was 30.6% (95% CI 28.6% to 32.7%). Out of 1236 primary school children in Datong city, 135 person of trachoma were found, the prevalence of trachoma was 10.9% (95%CI 9.2%-12.6%). The prevalence of trachoma in primary school children from countryside is higher than that in cities (P<0.01). The positive rate of PCR for C. trachomatis was 64.9% (in 333), 48.9% (in 577), and 63.7% (in 135) in the 3 districts respectively. Narrow living condition, short of clean water and poor personal sanitation habits, and poor knowledge of trachoma were the independent risk factors for active trachoma.

Conclusions: Trachoma is still now a remarkable eye health problem in north China. It is necessary to have a nationwide survey for the prevalence of whole country and evaluate mass interventions, both medical and educational, in the community.