Mapping Trachoma in the Solomon Islands: Results of Three Baseline Population-Based Prevalence Surveys Conducted with the Global Trachoma Mapping Project. (7th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sokana, Oliver; Macleod, Colin; Jack, Kelvin; Butcher, Robert; Marks, Michael; Willis, Rebecca; Chu, Brian K.; Posala, Claude; Solomon, Anthony W.
• Is Part Of: Ophthalmic epidemiology. Volume 23(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2016-12-07
• Subjects: Chlamydia trachomatis -- Pacific -- prevalence -- Solomon Islands -- survey -- trachoma; Blindness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Eye -- Diseases -- Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 614.5997
• DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2016.1238946
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0928-6586

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose : We sought to complete the baseline trachoma map of the Solomon Islands by establishing prevalences of active trachoma and trichiasis in the provinces of Choiseul, Western, Rennell-Bellona, and Temotu. Methods : Using the standardized methodology developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, we conducted cross-sectional community-based surveys from September to November 2013. Choiseul and Western provinces were each mapped as separate evaluation units (EUs); Rennell-Bellona and Temotu were combined to form a third EU. Results : A total of 9819 individuals were sampled for inclusion, with 9224 (93.3%) consenting to examination, of whom 4587 (46.3%) were female. Survey teams visited 82 villages, and surveyed 2448 households. Two EUs had prevalences of trachomatous inflammation – follicular (TF) in 1–9-year-olds over the 10% threshold at which WHO recommends mass distribution of azithromycin for at least 3 years (Western 20.4%, 95% confidence interval, CI 15.6–26.3%; Rennell-Bellona/Temotu 22.0%, 95% CI 18.5–26.0%). Choiseul had a TF prevalence of 6.1% (95% CI 4.1–8.6%), and met the criterion for a single round of mass antibiotic distribution before re-survey. The adjusted prevalences of trichiasis in those aged 15+ years were 0.0% (95% CI 0.0–0.2%) in Choiseul, 0.16% (95% CI 0.0–0.5%) in Western, and 0.10% (95% CI 0–0.3%) in Rennell-Bellona/Temotu provinces. All three EUs require implementation of the facial cleanliness and environmental improvement components of the trachoma elimination strategy. Conclusion : Active trachoma is prevalent in the Solomon Islands. However, there is little evidence of the blinding complications of trachoma being a public health problem there. Further research into the explanation for this phenomenon is warranted.