Environmental factors and hygiene behaviors associated with facial cleanliness and trachoma in Kongwa, Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Having a clean face is protective against trachoma. In the past, long distances to water were associated with unclean faces and increased trachoma. Other environmental factors have not been extensively explored. We need improved clarity on the environmental factors associated with facial cleanliness and trachoma prevalence, especially when the disease burden is low.

Methodology/principle findings

A cross-sectional survey focusing on household environments was conducted in all 92 villages in Kongwa, Tanzania, in a random selection of 1798 households. Children aged 0-5 years in these households were examined for facial cleanliness. In each of the 50 randomly-selected villages, 50 children aged 1-9 years were randomly selected and examined for trachoma. In a multivar

SUBMITTER: Chen X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8577779 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature