Insecticide-Treated Nets in Africa: Gains in Awareness and Use
Author Information
Author(s): Carol A Baume, Marin M Celeste
Primary Institution: Academy for Educational Development
Hypothesis
To what extent were activities aimed at increasing awareness, ownership, and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) successful in Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia?
Conclusion
Significant progress was made in increasing awareness, ownership, and use of insecticide-treated nets in the studied countries, although none reached the Abuja targets.
Supporting Evidence
- Awareness of ITNs increased from 7% to 60% in Nigeria between 2000 and 2004.
- Household ownership of nets doubled in Nigeria from 12% to 27% between 2000 and 2004.
- Significant increases in the proportion of under-fives sleeping under a net were observed in Senegal and Zambia.
Takeaway
This study shows that more people in Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia are using special mosquito nets to prevent malaria, but not enough people are using them yet.
Methodology
Surveys were conducted in 2000 and again in 2004 or 2006 using standardized sampling methods across four countries.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the sampling method, which may over-represent households with children under five.
Limitations
The study may not represent national averages as it focused on areas with high malaria prevalence and included only households with children under five.
Participant Demographics
Women of reproductive age (15-49) who were mothers or guardians of children under five.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.07 for the increase in Nigerian under-fives sleeping under a net.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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