Trachoma and environment in the northern territory of Australia

Abstract

Results from a 1976 ophthalmological survey in the Northern Territory of Australia showing prevalence rates of active trachoma among Aborigines are analysed in respect to environmental conditions. The communities surveyed have been grouped by criteria of similarities of locality, climate, dwellings, diet, water sources, sanitation and employment opportunities. Both parametric and non-parametric analyses of the trachoma morbidity yield high correlations with marginal changes in these environmental factors.