Community awareness, perceptions, acceptability and preferences for using LLIN against malaria in villages of Uttar Pradesh, Indiaax

摘要

Background & Objectives: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have been introduced in Indiarecently into the vector control programme. A study was undertaken to assess the communityperception regarding use of LLIN, their acceptability, collateral benefits, etc. in certain villages ofDistrict Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India where LLINs are in use by the community.Method: A randomized community-based survey was undertaken during April–May 2009 covering596 respondents in LLIN villages where LLINs have been distributed along with 307 respondentsin untreated net villages where untreated nets were distributed using structured questionnaire.Qualitative data were collected and the difference in proportion was calculated by z-test.Results: A substantial number of respondents had good knowledge of the symptoms of malaria.According to respondents, LLINs were very much effective in bringing down the malaria incidencein their families. About 98.3% of the respondents asserted the use of LLINs as their use not onlyreduced the number of mosquitoes as well as other non-target insects, but also reduced the malariaincidence. About 93.2% of the respondents were ready to purchase LLINs if available at nominalprices. All the respondents were satisfied about the performance of the LLINs in reducing themosquito nuisance, safety of use and collateral benefits in LLIN villages.Conclusion: LLINs are safe, socially acceptable and should be promoted for vector control toreduce the disease burden in the communities.