MEASURE DHS - Journal Details

Assessment of Insecticide-Treated Bednet Use Among Children and Pregnant Women Across 15 Countries Using Standardized National Surveys
Authors:	Thomas P. Eisele , * Joseph Keating , Megan Littrell , David Larsen , and Kate Macintyre
Source:	American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 80(2), 2009, pp. 209–214
Topic(s):	Child health Malaria Women's health
Country:	More than one region Multiple Regions
Published:	2009
Abstract:	Abstract. Impact of insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) on preventing malaria may be minimized if they are not used by vulnerable populations. Among ITN-owning households from 15 standardized national surveys from 2003 to 2006, we identify factors associated with ITN use among children younger than 5 years of age and make comparisons of ITN use among children and pregnant women across countries. Within ITN-owning households, many children and pregnant women are still not using them. Between-country analysis with linear regression showed child ITN use increases as intrahousehold access to ITNs increases ( P = 0.020, R 2 = 0.404), after controlling for season and survey year. Results from within-country logistic regression analyses were consistent with between-country analysis showing intra-household access to ITNs is the strongest and most consistent determinant of use among children. The gaps in ITN use and possession will likely persist in the absence of achieving a ratio of no more than two people per ITN.