Monitoring community response to malaria control using insecticide-impregnated bed nets, curtains and residual spray at Nsukka, Nigeria

Abstract

A project testing the efficacy of insecticide (permethrin)-impregnated bed nets, compared with impregnated door and window curtains, residual house spraying, and a control group was implemented in 12 village clusters in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria, using epidemiologic and entomologic indicators. The appropriate materials and services were given free to all families. During the first year of study, three monitoring exercises were carried out in a random selection of homes where children under 5 years of age resided. Information was collected on perceived effectiveness of the interventions, condition of nets and curtains, reasons for not sleeping under nets, and recall of steps required in caring for nets and curtains. Bed nets were perceived as more effective in reducing mosquito bites compared with the two other interventions. At the last monitoring period, which occurred a few weeks before a re-impregnation exercise, respondents also perceived bed nets to be most effective in preventing malaria. These findings coincided with epidemiologic evidence. Curtains, especially those at doors, were more likely to be torn and dirty than bed nets. Although holes would not reduce the effectiveness of the insecticide, they could reduce the 'beauty' of the curtains, a perceived benefit that initially attracted villagers to both curtains and nets. Bed net owners reported significantly less frequent use of other mosquito control measures in their homes than did members of the other groups. Finally, bed net users demonstrated increased knowledge of use and care steps than did those with curtains. These findings suggested a high level of social acceptability of bed nets, and point to the need to test their acceptability further under conditions where people would pay for nets and communities would manage distribution and re-impregnation systems.

Insecticide-treated nets usage and malaria episodes among boarding students in Zaria, Northern Nigeria

“…[12] Even though it has been stated that ITN implementation in some communities in Nigeria has been very effective. [13] Also, most of the current users (74) reported a marked reduction in malaria episodes compared to non-ITN users (168). This was statistically significant (P=0.004).…”

Seasonal and Temporal Variations in the Population and Biting Habit of Mosquitoes on the Atlantic Coast of Lagos, Nigeria

“…The use of insecticide-treated nets and curtains has now been demonstrated convincingly to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality from malaria in Nigeria, at least in the short term [23] , as well as in other places [24][25][26] , and this intervention should be encouraged in these malarious areas. The correct use of insecticide-treated nets is likely to be a signifi cant factor to reduce malaria transmission.…”

Effect of the use of insecticide-treated bed nets on birth outcomes among Primigravidae in a periurban slum settlement in South-East Nigeria

“…17 ITNs were perceived to be as effective in reducing mosquito bites as insecticide-impregnated curtains and residual spray by communities that used them in Nsukka, Nigeria. 18 Although IPT with SP has been found to be safe and efficacious for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women, 12 sleeping under ITNs remains an important strategy for protecting pregnant women and their newborns from malaria-carrying mosquitoes. 19 Recent large-scale studies in Kenya, Ghana and the Gambia have also proved that the innovative use of ITNs is a highly effective method for controlling and preventing the spread of malaria.…”