The estimated number, and proportion of First Nations adults in at-risk communities with trichiasis: Measure 1.3.2
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Repeated trachoma infections can result in scarring and in-turned eye lashes, trichiasis. Early detection and treatment of trichiasis can prevent blindness.
Latest data
In 2023, among First Nations people aged 40 and over examined in at-risk communities, there were 9 new cases of trichiasis reported, a prevalence rate of 0.11%. No new cases of trichiasis were reported among First Nations people aged 15–39 years examined (Figure 10).
Figure 10: Prevalence of trichiasis in at-risk Indigenous communities by age, 2023
Notes
- Data are crude rates as a proportion of persons reported as examined for trichiasis in 2023.
- The data cover the 150 communities who reported screening for trichiasis in 2023 (71 in WA, 11 in SA, and 68 in the NT) although data may be incomplete.
- This number may not account for all adults who may be examined in routine adult health checks and may also include multiple patient screenings. Screening is linked to trachoma endemic regions and does not consider changing endemic regions over time and transiency between regions.
Source: Kirby Institute in press.
Jurisdiction
Of the 3 jurisdictions that reported trichiasis screening in 2023, the prevalence of trichiasis in First Nations people aged 40 and over was 0.2% in Western Australia, 0.0% in South Australia and 0.02% in the Northern Territory (Figure 11). The comparable prevalence proportions for First Nations people aged 15 years and over were 0.2%, 0.0% and 0.01%, respectively. In Queensland, screening for trichiasis was not undertaken in 2023.
Figure 11: Prevalence of trichiasis in at-risk Indigenous communities, by jurisdiction, 2023
Notes
- Data are crude rates, as a proportion of persons reported as examined for trichiasis in 2023.
- The data cover the 150 communities screened in 2023 (71 in WA, 11 in SA, and 68 in the NT).
Source: Kirby Institute in press.