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.
