Prevalence and Risk Factors for Trachoma in Rural Areas of Sistan-va-Baluchestan Province, Iran: A Population-Based Study

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of trachoma and risk factors associated with the disease in rural areas of the Sistan-va-Baluchestan province in Iran from 2012-2013. Population-based prevalence data for trachoma is lacking in this region. Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study, 80 clusters were selected using a systematic and probability proportional to size method. All participants underwent clinical eye examinations according to the World Health Organization simplified trachoma grading system. The prevalence of follicular trachoma (TF) in children aged 1-9 years and the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in women aged over 15 years were the most important clinical indicators of trachoma. Results: The study surveyed 8187 individuals and analyzed 7912 participants (96.6%) including 3737 children aged 1-9 years and 4175 females >15 years. The prevalence of TF and TT in the relevant indicator groups were 0.59% (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.36-0.89%) and 0.02% (95% CI 0.00-0.13%), respectively. Conclusion: Previously, trachoma prevalence data for this region were lacking. This study confirms that the Sistan-va-Baluchestan region is not endemic for trachoma. This has important implications for national trachoma elimination activities.