Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Jun;88(6):1109-15. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0641. Epub 2013 Mar 25.
Long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) use is a proven malaria prevention method. Mass distribution has greatly expanded LLIN access in sub-Saharan Africa, but a gap remains between LLIN ownership and use. Furthermore, LLINs wear out more quickly than anticipated. This paper suggests a participatory research strategy-trials of improved practices (TIPs)-that could identify locally appropriate approaches to prolonging net life and increasing effective use. We used TIPs to overcome barriers to optimal net use in the Peruvian Amazon. Working with 15 families in three villages, we tested home treatment of cotton nets, use of an alternative netting fabric, and alternative washing and care instructions. TIPs helped confirm feasibility of these interventions. Although our findings are time- and context-specific, TIPs could help improve consistency and effectiveness of current LLIN use and prolong net lifespan in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere. This would help maximize the value of shrinking donor resources for malaria.
长效驱虫蚊帐(LLIN)的使用是一种经过验证的疟疾预防方法。大规模分发大大增加了撒哈拉以南非洲地区 LLIN 的可及性,但 LLIN 的拥有率和使用率之间仍存在差距。此外,LLIN 的磨损速度比预期的要快。本文提出了一种参与式研究策略——改进实践试验(TIPs)——可以确定延长蚊帐寿命和增加有效使用的适合当地的方法。我们使用 TIPs 来克服秘鲁亚马逊地区最佳蚊帐使用的障碍。我们与三个村庄的 15 个家庭合作,测试了家用处理蚊帐、使用替代网布以及替代洗涤和护理说明。TIPs 有助于确认这些干预措施的可行性。尽管我们的研究结果是特定于时间和背景的,但 TIPs 可以帮助提高撒哈拉以南非洲和其他地区当前 LLIN 使用的一致性和有效性,并延长蚊帐的使用寿命。这将有助于最大限度地提高缩小疟疾捐助资源的价值。