Evaluation of preventive measures used on malaria control in Luampa: case of children under five from 2019-2020

Details

Supervisors

Speybroeck, Niko

Faculty

Faculté de santé publique

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences de la santé publique, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Luampa District, in Western Province Zambia has recorded an upsurge in number of malaria cases between 2019 and 2020 despite the implementation of various interventions to fight the disease. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the preventive measures that have been implemented, namely the use of long- lasting treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying and to assess they level of intervention in the communities in order to contribute to the effectiveness of malaria control strategies and to reduce its incidence among households with children under five. METHODS: Data used were obtained from a retrospective cohort analysis of malaria incidence and were mixed with a cross sectional survey, which used a questionnaire to collect data and a multistage sampling method with a probability proportional to the size of clusters was used. The chi-square test and the simple logistic regression were used with a statistical significance level of p< 0.05. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that areas where insecticide treated nets were distributed and indoor residual spraying was done, the incidence was lower (143/1,000) with 85.7% of households using the nets and 14.3% not using the nets, compared to areas where only indoor residual spraying was performed (211/1,000). A chi-square test showed that there was an association between the use of mosquito nets and school attendance p<0.001. Acceptance of indoor residual spraying programs in control areas was good: 44.3% in those who had been to school compared to those who had never (40.9%). After applying the logistic regression, the following factors were associated with mosquito nets usage: types of eaves [OR:3.83[IC95%:1.12-13.07] and number of nets per household: [OR:3.54[IC95%: 1.40-8.95]. CONCLUSION: The vector intervention was associated with reduction in malaria incidence in Luampa District in the areas where it was implemented. However, the goal to eliminate malaria by the end of 2021 was not achieved. Gene drive suppression of the mosquito population could be conducted for further studies. Keywords: Malaria; Preventive measures; Children under five; effectiveness; Luampa District Zambia.