Tomass Zewdneh, Alemayehu Bereket, Balkew Meshesha, Leja Dawit
Department of Biology, Biomedical Science Division, Wolaita Sodo University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, P.O.Box 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa University, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology (ALIPB), P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Parasit Vectors. 2016 Apr 22;9:224. doi: 10.1186/s13071-016-1494-5.
Optimal use of long-lasting insecticidal (LLINs) for malaria prevention depends on mass distribution, the users' perception and behaviour of local malaria vectors. This study was aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of communities about LLINs and fabric integrities and insecticidal activities of nets under use in Wolaita zone, Sothern Ethiopia.
Semi-structured interview questionnaires were used to collect data on KAP variables and WHO cone bioassay was used to test the insecticidal activity of sampled nets against an insectary colony of Anopheles arabiensis. Holes and repairs on surfaces of sample nets were counted and categorized following WHO guidelines to assess their fabric integrities. Chi-square (χ(2)) tests were used to verify associations between the demographic profiles of the respondents and their responses to KAP questionnaires.
Out of a total of 770 household heads interviewed, 323 (42%) and 447 (58%) were males and females, respectively. The average family size in the surveyed households was 5.25 (±0.70 SE, range 1-12). The majority (81.1%) of the households owned at least one LLIN. The average numbers of LLINs being used and sleeping places in the households were 1.61 (0.04 SE, range 0-4) and 2.27(0.03 SE, range 1-6), respectively. Most of the respondents (n = 687; 89.2%) believed LLINs prevent malaria by killing or acting as physical barriers against mosquitoes. About 21 and 14% of the respondents considered children under five years and pregnant women as priority groups for sleeping under LLINs. Households use LLINs consistently throughout the year (86.4%) and tuck nets into bedding materials while sleeping (90.1%). Physical inspection of fabric integrity of sampled LLINs revealed holes ranging from size 1 (0.5-2 cm) to size 4 (> 25 cm) mostly on lower ("right/left") surfaces. Moreover, most surfaces of sampled LLINs caused 100% knockdown and mortality on insectary colonies of Anopheles arabiensis.
The overall knowledge, attitude and practice about LLINs were satisfactory in the study areas. However, the family size net ratio must be narrowed and attention needs to be given to malaria vulnerable groups (children < 5 years of age and pregnant women). Continuous monitoring and evaluation of use and durability (fabric integrity and insecticidal activity) of LLINs should be conducted to avoid misuse and associated attrition of nets before the intended period.
长效杀虫剂蚊帐（LLINs）在疟疾预防中的最佳使用取决于大规模分发、使用者对当地疟疾媒介的认知和行为。本研究旨在评估埃塞俄比亚南部沃莱塔地区社区对长效杀虫剂蚊帐的知识、态度和实践（KAP），以及在用蚊帐的织物完整性和杀虫活性。
采用半结构化访谈问卷收集关于KAP变量的数据，并使用世卫组织锥形生物测定法测试抽样蚊帐对阿拉伯按蚊昆虫饲养群体的杀虫活性。按照世卫组织指南对抽样蚊帐表面的孔洞和修补情况进行计数和分类，以评估其织物完整性。采用卡方（χ²）检验来验证受访者的人口统计学特征与其对KAP问卷回答之间的关联。
在总共770名受访户主中，男性323人（42%），女性447人（58%）。受访家庭的平均家庭规模为5.25人（±0.70标准误，范围1 - 12人）。大多数家庭（81.1%）至少拥有一顶长效杀虫剂蚊帐。家庭中使用的长效杀虫剂蚊帐平均数量和睡眠场所分别为1.61顶（0.04标准误，范围0 - 4顶）和2.27个（0.03标准误，范围1 - 6个）。大多数受访者（n = 687；89.2%）认为长效杀虫剂蚊帐通过杀死蚊子或作为物理屏障来预防疟疾。约21%和14%的受访者认为五岁以下儿童和孕妇是使用长效杀虫剂蚊帐睡眠的优先群体。家庭全年持续使用长效杀虫剂蚊帐的比例为86.4%，睡觉时将蚊帐掖入被褥材料中的比例为90.1%。对抽样长效杀虫剂蚊帐织物完整性的物理检查发现，孔洞大小从1号（0.5 - 2厘米）到4号（> 25厘米）不等，大多在下部（“右侧/左侧”）表面。此外，抽样长效杀虫剂蚊帐的大多数表面对阿拉伯按蚊昆虫饲养群体造成了100%的击倒率和死亡率。
研究地区对长效杀虫剂蚊帐的总体知识、态度和实践情况令人满意。然而，家庭规模与蚊帐比例必须缩小，并且需要关注疟疾易感群体（五岁以下儿童和孕妇）。应持续监测和评估长效杀虫剂蚊帐的使用和耐用性（织物完整性和杀虫活性），以避免在预期期限前出现误用和蚊帐相关损耗的情况。
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