Measuring Insecticide-Treated Bednet Coverage in Eritrea
Author Information
Author(s): Thomas P Eisele, Kate Macintyre, Josh Yukich, Tewolde Ghebremeskel
Primary Institution: Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
How effective are household surveys in measuring ITN coverage in Eritrea?
Conclusion
Eritrea has exceeded the Abuja targets for ITN household possession and use among children under five years old.
Supporting Evidence
- In 2003, 82.2% of households possessed at least one ITN, a significant increase from 2002.
- ITN use among children under five years old rose from 7.8% in 2002 to 76.1% in 2003.
- The ITN distribution program resulted in a gross increase in ITN use among children and pregnant women.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many families in Eritrea have and use special bednets to protect against malaria. They found that many more families had these bednets after a distribution program.
Methodology
The study compared ITN coverage estimates from two household surveys conducted in Eritrea, one before and one after a large-scale ITN distribution program.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include differences in survey timing and populations, as well as recall bias regarding bednet procurement.
Limitations
The study did not collect data on bednet treatment status at the household level in the 2002 survey, which limited the ability to calculate ITN possession accurately.
Participant Demographics
The study involved households from Anseba and Gash Barka provinces in Eritrea.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 77.4–87.0
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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