Sleeping arrangements under long-lasting impregnated mosquito nets: differences during low and high malaria transmission seasons

Summary 

Sleeping arrangements under long-lasting impregnated nets (LLIN) were recorded in 2467 households during the low malaria transmission season (May–June 2007) and the same families were followed up during the high malaria transmission season (December 2007–January 2008) in two malaria-endemic areas of Sri Lanka. Approximately 800 households each from the three main ethnic groups were studied. The number of families lost to follow-up was 68. A significant increase was seen in the proportion of households using LLINs the previous night during the high transmission season (96%) compared with the low transmission season (90%) (P≤0.001 for all three ethnic groups). When sleeping arrangements of the entire population were considered, priority to sleep under the LLIN was given to children under 5 years during both seasons. The percentage of children under five who slept under a LLIN increased from 75% during the low transmission season to 90% during the high transmission season. Utilisation of LLINs by pregnant women was low; only approximately 45% of pregnant women reported sleeping under a LLIN during both seasons. The study suggests the possible need for re-focusing of health education messages regarding the importance of LLIN use among pregnant women.

Keywords: Malaria, Children, Pregnancy, Prevention and control, Long-lasting impregnated nets, Sri Lanka