Evaluation of the coverage and effective use rate of long-lasting insecticidal nets after nation-wide scale up of their distribution in Benin

• Published in: Parasites & vectors 2013-09, Vol.6 (1), p.265-265, Article 265
• Main Authors: Tokponnon, Filémon T, Aholoukpe, Bruno, Denon, Eric Y, Gnanguenon, Virgile, Bokossa, Alexis, N’guessan, Raphael, Oke, Mariam, Gazard, Dorothée Kinde, Akogbeto, Martin C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Benin; Child; Child, Preschool; children; computer software; Control; Cross-Sectional Studies; Equipment and supplies; Female; households; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Insecticide-Treated Bednets - utilization; Malaria; Malaria - prevention & control; Male; Middle Aged; Mosquito Control - methods; Mosquitoes; ownership; pesticide application; Pregnancy; pregnant women; Prevention; questionnaires; rural areas; surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1756-3305; 1756-3305
• DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-265

BACKGROUND: In Benin, around four million Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets were freely distributed to household to prevent malaria in 2011. In contrast to a previous campaign that targeted only children under 5 years and pregnant women, this distribution campaign was conducted in order to achieve universal coverage. This study presents the results of LLIN coverage and utilization after the distribution campaign. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional household survey which utilized a stratified two-stage cluster sampling design. The strata represented the twelve departments covered by the national distribution campaign in 2011 and included a total of 4,800 households randomly selected in the country. A questionnaire adapted from the standard Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) Household Questionnaire was used. Data were entered using QPS software and analyzed with R 2.14.1. RESULTS: LLIN ownership was 86.4% (74 – 94). On average, each household received 3 LLINs (2–4). The proportion of households that met the ratio one net for two persons was 77%. The proportions of individuals sleeping under LLINs were high (84.8%). LLIN use among urban residents was 10% lower than in effective users from rural areas (P = 0.00224). CONCLUSIONS: The universal distribution campaign conducted in Benin has increased LLIN ownership and use in the community. But additional efforts are need to improve and maintain LLIN coverage.