Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Acceptability of Azithromycin Mass Treatment for Trachoma Elimination in Injibara Town and Adjacent Banja Woreda of Awi Zone, Amhara Region

3^rd International Congress on Bacteriology and Infectious Diseases

August 04-06, 2015 Valencia, Spain

Zelalem Tilahun and Teferi Gedif

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Background: Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Globally 1.2 billion people live in endemic
areas. In Ethiopia, approximately 67 million people are at risk for trachoma. The Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia is
the most trachoma-endemic regional state with TF prevalence of 62.6%. Azithromycin mass treatment is one arm of the SAFE
strategy. In this regard, the trachoma elimination program would be successful if and only if the coverage is as high as possible
with full community participation. Otherwise, the trachoma infection will return to the baseline prevalence.
Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability of the azithromycin mass treatment and its determinants in urban
and rural areas of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia.
Methods: A community based cross sectional survey with both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed from
July 7-25, 2013. Households’ survey with structured questionnaire, FGDs and key informant interviews were used for data
collection.
Results: A total of 5826 eligible household members from 897 rural and 370 urban households were enrolled in the survey. The
2012 annual azithromycin mass treatment coverage was 92.9%. From the total 6 rounds of azithromycin mass treatment, only
half (50.6%) of the community members took for more than three times. On average, each illegible person in the community
had taken the drug for 3.6 times. The rural residents were at better performance in taking the treatment as compared to the
urban residents (AOR=2.35; 95%CI [1.80-3.06]). Azithromycin uptake status of female household heads was less than the
corresponding males (AOR=0.41; 95% CI [0.24-0.720]). Household heads awareness about trachoma (AOR=2.55; 95% CI
[1.19-5.44]) and azithromycin mass treatment (AOR=7.19; 95% CI [3.27-15.82]) had significant association with acceptability.
Conclusion: The overall coverage documented in the present study was 60%. The communities’ acceptability had increased
in the recent campaigns. There is low coverage and acceptability of the treatment in the urban community as compared to the
rural residents. Supplementary benefits of azithromycin, awareness about trachoma and the drug, willingness and being old
are some of the factors positively related with acceptability. Strengthen the program in the urban area and consideration of
additional campaigns is recommended