Prevalence of trachoma in a single community, 1975-2007

Abstract

Background: To determine the change in the prevalence in active trachoma in children in a remote Aboriginal community over a 32-year period. Design: Data used from two cross-sectional studies repeated in the same community 32years apart. Participants or Samples: Children aged 5-13years living in the community. Methods: Thirty-five mm photographs of the everted upper lid taken in 1975 and digital photographs taken in 2007 were graded using a fine trachoma-grading scheme. Main Outcome Measure: The age-specific prevalence and severity of trachoma was compared at the two time points. Results: Images were available from 82 children in 1975 and from 92 children in 2007. The overall prevalence of a..