Malaria vector control practices in an irrigated rice agro-ecosystem in central Kenya and implications for malaria control

Ng’ang’a, Peter Njoroge; Shililu, Josephat; Jayasinghe, Gayathri; Kimani, Violet; Kabutha, Charity; Kabuage, Lucy W.; Kabiru, Ephantus W.; Githure, John I.; Mutero, Clifford Maina

doi:10.1186/1475-2875-7-146

Cited by 32 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Self-reported bed net use is unreliable because it often misrepresents regular bed net use. Several studies have demonstrated that perceived or actual mosquito density is the main motivation for using bed nets [37-40], and that, therefore, mosquito densities could indirectly be used to predict actual bed net use. In recent mosquito surveys, a general trend of decreasing vector densities with increasing altitude in the study area was observed (Mutuku FM, unpublished data).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical condition and maintenance of mosquito bed nets in Kwale County, coastal Kenya

Mutuku

Khambira

Bisanzio

et al. 2013

Malar J

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BackgroundDespite the extensive ownership and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) over the last decade, the effective lifespan of these nets, especially their physical integrity, under true operational conditions is not well-understood. Usefulness of nets declines primarily due to physical damage or loss of insecticidal activity.MethodsA community based cross-sectional survey was used to determine the physical condition and to identify predictors of poor physical condition for bed nets owned by individuals from communities in Kwale County, coastal Kenya. A proportionate hole index (pHI) was used as a standard measure, and the cut-offs for an ‘effective net’ (offer substantial protection against mosquito bites) and ‘ineffective nets’ (offer little or no protection against mosquito bites) were determined (pHI ≤88 (about ≤500 cm2 of holes surface area) and pHI of >88 (≥500 cm2 of holes surface area), respectively).ResultsThe vast majority (78%) of the surveyed nets had some holes. The median pHI was 92 (range: 1–2,980). Overall, half of the nets were categorized as ‘effective nets’ or ‘serviceable nets’. Physical deterioration of nets was associated with higher use and washing frequency. Young children and older children were found to use ineffective bed nets significantly more often than infants, while the physical integrity of nets owned by pregnant women was similar to those owned by infants. Estuarine environment inhabitants owned nets with the worst physical condition, while nets owned by the coastal slope inhabitants were in fairly good physical condition. The results suggest that bed nets are optimally utilized when they are new and physically intact. Thereafter, bed net utilization decreases gradually with increasing physical deterioration, with most net owners withdrawing physically damaged nets from routine use.This withdrawal commonly happens following 1.5 years of use, making bed net use the most important predictor of physical integrity. On average, the nets were washed twice within six months prior to the survey. Washing frequency was significantly influenced by the bed net colour and bed net age. Lack of knowledge on reasons for net retreatment and the retreatment procedure was evident, while net repair was minimal and did not seem to improve the physical condition of the nets. The “catch-up” bed net distribution strategies are sufficient for ensuring adequate ownership and utilization of ‘effective nets’ in the targeted groups, but bi-annual mass distribution is necessary to provide similar ownership and utilization for the other groups not targeted by “catch-up” strategies.ConclusionsMonitoring and maintenance strategies that will deliver locally appropriate education messages on net washing and repair will enhance the effectiveness of malaria control programmes, and further research to assess ineffective nets need is needed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical condition and maintenance of mosquito bed nets in Kwale County, coastal Kenya

Mutuku

Khambira

Bisanzio

et al. 2013

Malar J

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“…These include installing screening in windows, ventilators, and eaves to prevent entry of mosquitoes; eliminating breeding places of mosquitoes notably stagnant water; and reducing vegetation near houses where mosquitoes harbour [6,7]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated approach to malaria prevention at household level in rural communities in Uganda: experiences from a pilot project

Musoke

Karani

Ssempebwa

et al. 2013

Malar J

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BackgroundMalaria is a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially among children under five years of age. This pilot project promoted prevention of malaria at household level using an integrated approach in two rural communities in Wakiso District, Uganda. This involved advocating and implementing several strategies in a holistic manner geared towards reduction in the occurrence of malaria. The specific strategies involved can be classified as: 1) personal protection – use of insecticide-treated bed nets and insecticide sprays; 2) reducing mosquito breeding sites – draining pools of water, larviciding and clearing unnecessary vegetation around homes; and 3) reducing entry of mosquitoes into houses – installing mosquito proofing in windows, ventilators and open eaves, and closing windows and doors early in the evenings.Case descriptionThe objectives of the project were to: carry out a baseline survey on malaria prevention; train community health workers and increase awareness among the community on the integrated approach to malaria prevention; and, establish demonstration sites using the integrated approach. A baseline survey among 376 households was conducted which generated information on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the community in relation to malaria prevention. The project trained 25 community health workers and over 200 community members were sensitized on the integrated approach to malaria prevention. In addition, 40 demonstration households using the integrated approach were established.Discussion and evaluationThe use of multiple methods in the prevention of malaria was appreciated by the community particularly the demonstration households using the integrated approach. Initial project evaluation showed that the community had become more knowledgeable about the various malaria prevention methods that were advocated in the integrated approach. In addition, some of the methods that were not being used before project implementation, such as early closing of windows, had been adopted. The presence of mosquitoes in the demonstration households had also reduced.ConclusionThe integrated approach to malaria prevention at household level was well perceived by the project community, which could be scaled up to other areas. More rigorous studies such as randomized controlled trials are also recommended to further explore the public health impact of the integrated approach to malaria prevention.

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“…5 This disadvantage rendered them unfavorable for the treatment of large and vegetated habitats such as rice paddies and irrigation canals, which are known to harbor vector populations that may contribute substantially to malaria transmission. [13][14][15][16] Aquatain™ is a monomolecular film that has been designed and successfully tested as an anti-evaporation liquid to prevent water loss from large water storage basins, e.g., dams in hot climates. 17 In contrast to Arosurf ® MSF and Agnique ® MMF, Aquatain™ is a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, 80%)based liquid, which is characterized by its ability to cover large vegetated areas and resilience to wind and rain.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficacy of Aquatain™, a Monomolecular Surface Film, against the Malaria Vectors Anopheles stephensi and An. gambiae s.s. in the Laboratory

Bukhari

Knols

2009

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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Monomolecular films are used for mosquito control because of their asphyxiating effect on larvae and pupae. Compared with other films, Aquatain mosquito formulation (AMF) has an improved spreading ability and flexibility on a water surface. In the laboratory, AMF showed larvicidal, pupicidal, and oviposition deterrent effects against the malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi and An. gambiae. At a dose of 1 mL/m(2), the median lethal time to death for late larval instars was 3.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.76-3.25) and 0.98 (95% CI = 0.75-1.20) days for An. stephensi and An. gambiae, respectively. None of the treated larvae pupated. Pupal mortality reached 100% within two hours for both species. AMF repelled gravid females from ovipositing in treated oviposition cups. Without the choice of an untreated cup, the lowered water surface tension caused most females to drown while attempting to oviposit. This physical control method has the potential to become a safe, cost-effective, and resistance-proof malaria vector control tool.

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Malaria vector control practices in an irrigated rice agro-ecosystem in central Kenya and implications for malaria control

Cited by 32 publications

References 15 publications

Physical condition and maintenance of mosquito bed nets in Kwale County, coastal Kenya

Physical condition and maintenance of mosquito bed nets in Kwale County, coastal Kenya

Integrated approach to malaria prevention at household level in rural communities in Uganda: experiences from a pilot project

Efficacy of Aquatain™, a Monomolecular Surface Film, against the Malaria Vectors Anopheles stephensi and An. gambiae s.s. in the Laboratory

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