Comparison of Insecticide-Treated Nets in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Maxwell CA, Rwegoshora RT, Magesa SM, Curtis CF
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Will households look after insecticide-treated nets provided free of charge compared to those purchased?
Conclusion
People in Tanzania take better care of insecticide-treated nets when they are provided for free than when they have to purchase them.
Supporting Evidence
- In the town, 93.2% of households bought nets, while only 9.3% of people in villages using purchased nets had intact nets.
- Over 90% of free nets were still present and brought for re-treatment several years later.
- Only 16.9% of people in villages where nets had to be purchased reported using them.
Takeaway
This study found that when people get mosquito nets for free, they keep them in better condition than when they have to buy them.
Methodology
Surveys and questionnaires were conducted in a town and 15 villages in Tanzania to assess net usage and condition.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported net usage and condition from householders.
Limitations
The study may not represent all rural areas in Tanzania due to varying access and awareness of net programs.
Participant Demographics
Households in a town and 15 villages in north-east Tanzania.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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