Attractive toxic sugar baits for controlling mosquitoes: a qualitative study in Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Abstract

BackgroundMalaria elimination is unlikely to be achieved without the implementation of new vector control interventions capable of complementing insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying. Attractive-toxic sugar baits (ATSBs) are considered a new vector control paradigm. They are technologically appropriate as they are simple and affordable to produce. ATSBs kill both female and male mosquitoes attracted to sugar feed on a sugary solution containing a mosquitocidal agent and may be used indoors or outdoors. This study explored the views and perceptions on ATSBs of community members from three Coastal Tanzanian communities.MethodsThree communities were chosen to represent coastal urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Sensitization meetings were held with a total of sixty community members where ATSBs were presented and explained their mode of action. At the end of the meeting, one ATSB was given to each participant for a period of 2 weeks, after which they were invited to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs) to provide feedback on their experience.ResultsOver 50% of the participants preferred to use the bait indoors although they had been instructed to place it outdoors. Participants who used the ATSBs indoors reported fewer mosquitoes inside their homes, but were disappointed not to find the dead mosquitoes in the baits, although they had been informed that this was unlikely to happen. Most participants disliked the appearance of the bait and some thought it to be reminiscent of witchcraft. Neighbours that did not participate in the FGDs or sensitizations were sceptical of the baits.ConclusionsThis study delivers insight on how communities in Coastal Tanzania are likely to perceive ATSBs and provides important information for future trials investigating the efficacy of ATSBs against malaria. This new vector control tool will require sensitization at community level regarding its mode of action in order to increase the acceptance and confidence in ATSBs for mosquito control given that most people are not familiar with the new paradigm. A few recommendations for product development and delivery are discussed.

Ingested insecticide to control Aedes aegypti: developing a novel dried attractive toxic sugar bait device for intra-domiciliary control

“…aegypti, as the vector has an extremely limited flight range, often spending its entire life within a single household [5,35,40]. Other research with ATSBs has shown that endusers of these products prefer to have them placed indoors [14]. The successful design and placement strategy of DABS used in our experiments indicate that the device is ideal for in-home field testing.…”

Indoor use of attractive toxic sugar bait in combination with long-lasting insecticidal net against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae: an experimental hut trial in Mbé, central Côte d’Ivoire

“…This study was a proof of concept; it was a precursor to research and development into applicator design. Any ATSB design which has to be replenished regularly may increase costs and be vulnerable to user fatigue and compliance issues [23]. A sustainable ATSB design should identify a way to improve bait preservation and enhance the design to make it more acceptable to householders long-term.…”

Knowledge, attitudes and practices assessment of malaria interventions in rural Zambia

“…A participatory formative approach such as Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) could be used to assess community needs and preferences of new products, such as spatial repellents, on a small scale before introducing them more broadly [52]. Other important factors, not considered in this study, such as perception of harmful effects [53], willingness to pay [51] and introduction mechanisms, should also be explored in future studies assessing attitudes towards SR products.…”