Insecticide-Treated Nets for Preventing Malaria in Pregnancy
Author Information
Author(s): Gamble Carol, Ekwaru Paul J, Garner Paul, ter Kuile Feiko O.
Primary Institution: Centre for Medical Statistics and Health Evaluation, University of Liverpool
Hypothesis
Do insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) improve pregnancy outcomes in malaria-endemic areas?
Conclusion
Using insecticide-treated nets during pregnancy has a beneficial impact on pregnancy outcomes in malaria-endemic Africa.
Supporting Evidence
- ITNs increased mean birth weight by 55 g.
- ITNs reduced low birth weight by 23%.
- ITNs reduced miscarriages/stillbirths by 33%.
- Placental parasitaemia was reduced by 23%.
Takeaway
Pregnant women who sleep under special mosquito nets treated with insecticide are less likely to have problems like low birth weight and miscarriages.
Methodology
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing ITNs to no nets or untreated nets.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of the effect due to differences in trial designs and participant demographics.
Limitations
Variability in trial designs and outcomes limited the ability to provide summary estimates for some endpoints.
Participant Demographics
Trials included pregnant women from Africa and Thailand, with varying gravidity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI 21–88
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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