Reports of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets catching on fire: a threat to bed net users and to successful malaria control?

Abstract

BackgroundOne of the control tools to reduce malaria transmission is the use of LLINs. However, several studies show that household bed net use is quite low. A study was developed to better understand the cultural factors that might explain these gaps in Benin. One reason mentioned is that bed nets can catch on fire and cause harm. This paper presents a summary of these findings, their analysis and the ensuing issues.MethodsThis anthropological study is based on an inductive qualitative approach, including 91 semi-structured interviews conducted from July 2011 to March 2012 in a health district in Southern Benin.ResultsFifty-six persons stated that bed nets can catch on fire but do not always refer to specific facts. However, 34 of the 56 people narrate specific events they heard or experienced. 39 accounts were geographically located and situated in time, with various details. In 27 situations, people were burned, for which 12 people reportedly died.DiscussionThe disparity between these results and the dearth of bibliographic documentation in the initial search prompted a more in-depth literature review: 16 contributions between 1994 and 2013 were found. Bed net fires were noted in 10 countries, but it is impossible to ascertain the frequency of such events. Moreover, bodily harm can be significant, and several cases of death attributed to bed net fires were noted.ConclusionsIndisputably, the use of bed nets to reduce the impact of this terrible disease is an optimal control method. However, the perception that LLINs have a potentially negative effect hinders the use rate in the real world, at least for some. If some people fear the risk of fires, this possibility must be addressed during information and prevention sessions on malaria, with a communication strategy tailored to specific social contexts. Moreover, all possible measures should be taken to limit the harm suffered by individuals and their families.

Assessing the effective use of mosquito nets in the prevention of malaria in some parts of Mezam division, Northwest Region Cameroon

“…The same trend was observed for the pregnant women. This confirms the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) [ 15 ], and Ergot et al [ 16 ] on the use of LLINs as a means to reduce the lethal impact of malaria. Malaria occurred at higher prevalence among non-users and this is in line with the works of Ergot et al [ 16 ].…”

“…This confirms the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) [ 15 ], and Ergot et al [ 16 ] on the use of LLINs as a means to reduce the lethal impact of malaria. Malaria occurred at higher prevalence among non-users and this is in line with the works of Ergot et al [ 16 ]. The prevalence of malaria in children was higher than that of pregnant women and this was probably because of the absence of protective immunity in the children and the fact that they could easily roll out of their LLINs at night without their guardians/parents noticing.…”

Malaria in Dielmo, a Senegal village: Is its elimination possible after seven years of implementation of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets?

“…Factors such as age (<30 years), social status, the belief in the efficacy of bed nets and their accessibility and ownership of television and radio influenced the use of mosquito nets [ 46 – 48 ]. A recent anthropological study has showed that the inhabitants in one locality of Benin were not using their nets, because for them, nets can cause fires, since cases of mosquito-net related burns were recorded in this locality [ 49 ].…”

Reality of having bed nets at home, their status and pattern of using it at night among the population of Lakhantari Village Development Committee of Nepal

“…At least one hole was observed in nearly 90% of the bed nets surveyed. This study resembles with the works of Ergot et al2 Also this study is consistent with the result of the study conducted by J.Pulfold et al…”