Increasing Use of Mosquito Nets in Rural Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Noor Abdisalan M, Amin Abdinasir A, Akhwale Willis S, Snow Robert W
Primary Institution: Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Hypothesis
Can different delivery models increase the use of insecticide-treated bed nets among rural Kenyan children?
Conclusion
Mass distribution campaigns significantly increased the use of insecticide-treated nets among the poorest children in rural Kenya.
Supporting Evidence
- ITN coverage was only 7.1% in 2004, rising to 67.3% by 2006.
- The free mass distribution method achieved the highest coverage among the poorest children.
- Socioeconomic inequity in net coverage decreased significantly over the study period.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving away free mosquito nets helps more kids in poor areas sleep under them, which keeps them safe from malaria.
Methodology
The study involved annual surveys of ITN coverage among a cohort of 3,700 children aged 0–4 years across four districts in Kenya from 2004 to 2006.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in self-reported net use and socioeconomic status may affect the results.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to urban areas or other regions outside the four districts studied.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 0-4 years from rural households in four districts of Kenya.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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