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Global Usage Rate of Bed Nets During the Last Ten Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
27 Pages Posted: 30 Jun 2020
More...Abstract
Introduction: Malaria is an endemic disease especially in tropical areas transmitted by Anopheles species through their bites. Therefore, bed nets are considered one of the best methods for protection against their bites. However, many regions have limited access to bed nets and limited knowledge about their importance.
Objectives: The objectives were to estimate rate of bed net possession and usage during a period of 10 years. The secondary objectives aimed to calculate prevalence of specific types of bed nets.
Methods: We performed electronic search on 12 databases, and 106 studies was included obeying the criteria.
Results: The studies eligible for our meta-analysis were 106. Most of the study participants were from Africa while the rest were from Asia and a few from southern America. The overall ownership rate of bed net households among countries was (72.1%, 95% CI: 62.9-79.7). An overall ownership rate in all countries of (event rate=52.5%, 95% CI: 37-67.4). The overall usage rate of bed net households among countries was (event rate=41.2%, 95% CI: 25.1-59.3) while bed net usage for individuals was (event rate= 41.2%, 95% CI: 25.1-59.3).
Conclusion: This study suggests that the bed net ownership and usage rate among different countries are less satisfactory, hence not maximizing the potential benefit of the bed net. There is a crucial need to increase the awareness towards the bed net usage across the endemic areas and implement programs for free distribution of bed nets.
Funding Statement: None.
Declaration of Interests: None of the authors has any conflicts of interest to declare.
Keywords: Malaria, Bed nets, Ownership, Usage, ITN
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation