The prevalence of trachoma in Australia: The National Indigenous Eye Health Survey

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of trachoma among Indigenous Australians. Design, setting and participants: A national, stratified, random cluster sample survey of Indigenous children (5-15 years) and adults (≥40 years) in 30 communities across Australia. Data collection was undertaken in 2008. Main outcome measures: Results based on a standardised protocol that included trachoma grading and double grading of photographs of the tarsus. Results: 1694 Indigenous children and 1189 Indigenous adults were examined. Recruitment rates were 84% for children and 72% for adults. The overall rate of follicular trachomatous inflammation among children was 3.8%, ranging from 0.6% in major cities t..