The general objective of this evaluation was to assess the barriers to surgical uptake
reported by patients requiring surgery and the effective performance of the surgical
component of the SAFE (S=surgery, A=antibiotics, F=face washing and
E=environment sanitation) strategy to eradicate Trachoma in Kisarawe District.
The assessment focused on process evaluation for the improving the program
implementation. This evaluation intended to assess the dimension of measuring the
compliance to SAFE strategy guideline, acceptability and availability of the
services.
Cross section study design that employs both quantitative and qualitative
methods was used to evaluate barriers to TT (Trachomatous Trichiasis) surgery
implementation program in Kisarawe district. A total of 80 TT patients with clinical
signs of inactive trachoma Trichiasis from the TT backlog health facility records, 16
program coordinators and medical in charges from 8 health Facilities were involved
in this evaluation.
Findings revealed that, among the patients who participated in this evaluation
13.8% had not performed TT surgery due to various reasons, including lack of
adequate information, old age, poverty and distance from health services. Source of
information for TT surgery was significantly associated with assessing TT
operations among the participants within Kisarawe district (p=0.000). Majority
90.9% of respondents who had no information on SAFE strategy in Kisarawe
district were not operated. Community awareness on Trachomatous trichiasis for
majority of the clients77% were poor. This evaluation suggests that, effective eye
health promotions is the key to building knowledge, skills and attitudes to bring
about change within communities, so that we can achieve the goal of eliminating
blinding trachoma by 2020 to reach the SAFE strategy.