Risk factors associated with occurrence of tracoma in a community assisted by the program "Um estudante uma família" of Lúrio University, Mozambique

Abstract

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally. Despite efforts to reduce cases of preventable blindness due to trachoma, there are still poorer regions in the world with problems in accessing basic sanitation, which makes sustainable elimination of trachoma difficult. This research aimed to identify early the risk factors associated with the occurrence of trachoma in the Muatala community. A cross-sectional, prospective, observational study with a quantitative approach was carried out in 108 residents of the Muatala neighborhood, Nampula - Mozambique, from May to April 2018. Data were collected through a questionnaire. Of the risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of trachoma, it was found that 47% of families use water from the well to clean the face, without any treatment. As for the use of towels to clean the face, there was a collective sharing (25%) and the division of the towel by age (8%). Regarding the frequency of washing the face, it was noted that 29% only wash the face during the bath. Regarding the sanitation of the place where children play, it was found that 8% play near the dumps and standing water, respectively, places full of infectious agents. Thus, it is concluded that the Muatala community is exposed to risk factors that include, use of non-potable water to clean the face, use of towels in a collective way and inadequate sanitation conditions, which can cause the occurrence of diseases infectious diseases, including trachoma.

Keywords: Risk factors. Hygiene. Sanitation. Trachoma