NetMark is a USAID-funded public-private partnership to develop a sustainable commercial market for insecticide-treated materials (ITMs), especially mosquito nets, in Africa. Although consistent use of ITMs reduces malaria, few African families have mosquito nets and even fewer treat them with insecticide. To date, no large cross-national studies combining malaria awareness, ITM ownership, and attitudes toward purchase and use exist. Between July-October 2000, NetMark undertook formative qualitative research in Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia; and a baseline household survey in these countries plus Mozambique. The purpose was to provide an understanding of and track changes in: (1) household ownership of ITMs, (2) use of insecticide-treated nets, especially by children under five and pregnant women, and (3) net retreatment with insecticide; (4) knowledge and beliefs regarding malaria and ITMs.
In each country, the survey sample consisted of 1000 households from five sites, stratified by "urban", "near rural " and "far rural." Respondents were women 15-49 years of age who were mothers/guardians of children under five years of age. Univariate and bivariate analyses are being performed in SPSS.
For each country, data will be presented related to (1) net/ITM ownership, (2) net/ITM use by vulnerable groups (children under five years of age and pregnant women), (3) net retreatment with insecticide, (4) malaria knowledge and beliefs, (5) perceived advantages/disadvantages of ITM use by vulnerable groups, and (6) barriers/facilitators to ITM access, ownership and use. As appropriate, findings from the qualitative research will supplement survey results. Programmatic and ITM promotional implications will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Compare rates of mosquito net/insecticide treated material (ITM) ownership, treatment, retreatment, and appropriate use across 5 African countries. 2. Identify factors (including knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers) influencing net/ITM ownership, treatment, and appropriate use. 3. Identify promotional needs for achieving ITM-related behavior change at the individual, household, and community levels.
Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Academy for Educational Development
NetMark
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.