Knowledge, attitudes and practices on trachoma among the residents of Kacheliba Location, West Pokot County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Trachoma remains the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. About six million people have vision impairment resulting from trachoma infection worldwide. The prevalence of active trachoma in West Pokot County stands at 26.6% Objectives: The overall objective was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices on trachoma among residents of Kacheliba location, West Pokot County. Method: Cross-sectional study design that utilized convergent parallel mixed methods approach was used. Simple random sampling technique was used to identify the households. Data was collected using questionnaires, focused group discussions, key informant’s interviews and observations checklists. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Data was presented using frequency tables, pie charts, chi square and standard deviation where appropriate. Liter scale was used for qualitative data. Results: 325 participants were interviewed. The prevalence of active trachoma among the study population was 37 %. 47.2% of the respondents had insufficient knowledge that trachoma was spread through flies and fomites. 16.6% of the respondents strongly agreed to seek eye care treatment in the hospitals.65% of the children had not washed their faces in the morning. 90.2% households had no hand washing facilities. Conclusion: The prevalence of active trachoma in Kacheliba location was relatively high. The proportions of the study participants who seek traditional medicine were higher than those seeking modern treatment and most households had poor access to safe improved water, sanitation and facial hygienic behavioral practices. Recommendations: Establish and provide an integrated community eye care outreaches by county and national governments; Promote and implement SAFE strategies for effective reduction of trachoma among the targeted high risks populations; and further research to be conducted on community socio cultural, attitudes and perceptions on trachoma.