Researchers: Dr Amanda Thomas, Dr Carole Reeve (Kimberley Population Health Unit)
Funding:
Project summary: Trachoma remains a significant public health issue in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, remaining endemic in the Aboriginal population. Trichiasis is a late complication of trachoma and is a preventable cause of blindness. Previous studies have documented rates of trichiasis in this region to be between 3% and 10%. The rate of trichiasis is significant to guide us as to whether trachoma is still causing blindness in the Kimberley.
In 2008 and 2009, community health nurses were trained to recognise signs of trichiasis, and screening was offered to any Aboriginal person over the age of 40 who was presenting for influenza vaccination (or annual adult health check, which was added in 2009).
Ethics was granted for an evaluation of this program in 2008, we would like to extend the study period to include the subsequent years in this retrospective audit.
The extension of this study aims to review data from screening carried out in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 to determine the best screening method for trichiasis in the Kimberley.
Progress: Did not commence