TRACHOMA: 1985 UPDATE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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Abstract
Aboriginal preschool and school children were surveyed in the Eastern Goldfields Region and the Eastern Kimberley Region of Western Australia between 1979 and 1985. Statistics from these surveys show that there has been an apparent change in pattern of follicular trachoma since the National Trachoma and Eye Health Programme ln some of the communities. The prevalence of follicular trachoma in the 0 to 9 year old age groups had declined from 26.4%/n 1977 to 8.8% in 1984/1985 in the Eastern Goldfields and Red Centre combined (0.10 > p > 0.05). The prevalence reduction occurred in areas where there have been improvements in school hygiene and housing. The prevalence of cicatricial trachoma has also apparently declined from 65% in 1977 to 39% in 1985 in the Red Centre, from 39% in 1977 in the Eastern Goldfields to 21.7% in 1985, and from 58% in 1977 to 24.9% in 1985 in the Eastern Kimberley. Communities at risk were identified and recommendations made for frequency of continued screening, depending on age, distribution and location.

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