Effect of Impregnated Mosquito Bed Nets on the Prevalence of Malaria among Pregnant Women in Foumban Subdivision, West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Background. Malaria is one of the major public health problems in many tropical developing countries including Cameroon. Impregnated mosquito bed nets are one of the control measures put in place by the WHO and adopted by the Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health to fight against malaria in pregnancy. This study was a population-based cross-sectional study that investigated the level of adherence, respondent’s knowledge, altitude, and practices toward malaria prevention and control. Methods. To investigate this, a sample size of 410 pregnant women who were inhabitants of Foumban Subdivision was examined. Data on net ownership versus usage, pregnancy status, and socioeconomic background were collected using a questionnaire. Parasitological tests for malaria parasites were carried out using peripheral blood samples obtained from finger pricks of the pregnant women for the preparation of thick blood smear and RDTs. Results. Two hundred and eighteen tested positive (53.4%) with the highest prevalence occurring during the first trimester (79.6%) and in primigravidae (68.8%). Participants believed that mosquito bed nets can protect them against malaria infection. The highest number (81.0%) of the women who had mosquito nets acquired them during antenatal visits. Among those who possessed nets, 42.7% adhered to sleeping under them and few (50%) experienced problems of sweating, discomfort, and heat. Also, the study revealed a high prevalence rate of 63.8% for those who did not use nets during pregnancy as compared to those who owned and used them. Conclusion. The findings indicated that increased access to impregnated mosquito bed nets is required to lower the risk of malaria infection amongst pregnant women. The Cameroon government should improve health education to families within the locality and pursue an integrated approach to fight against mosquitoes during the rainy season.

Evaluation of malaria preventive measures among adult patients attending the Bamendjou and Foumbot district hospitals of the West Region of Cameroon

“…In addition to malaria prevalence being higher among the participants attending the Foumbot district hospital, there were more internally displaced patients in the Foumbot district hospital. Contrary to findings from Bamendjou, gender, religion, educational level, and financial status were significantly associated with malaria among those attending the Foumbot district hospital, with Foumbot also having a history of steady malaria transmission [ 7 ]. In line with findings from malaria-risk areas, religion, education, and income were found to impact the use of ITN [ 42 ], which directly influences malaria transmission.…”

“…A recent study in Foumban, which is located 45.2 km from Foumbot, revealed low usage of LLINs and high malaria prevalence. Malaria prevalence among pregnant women was 53.4% and only 49.3% of the study participants made use of bed nets [ 7 ]. Reduced chances of malaria infection were found among children who slept under intact nets, suggesting the importance of repair and care of ITNs by owners [ 46 ].…”

“…A significant decrease in entomological and epidemiological indicators was reported in Cameroon since the introduction of ITNs/LLINs [ 5 , 6 ]. In contrast, in the west region, a high prevalence (53.4%) of malaria was recently reported among pregnant women in Foumban, a neighbouring town to Foumbot [ 7 ]. It was reported that increased access to impregnated mosquito bed nets is needed to reduce the risk of malaria infection [ 7 ].…”

“…In contrast, in the west region, a high prevalence (53.4%) of malaria was recently reported among pregnant women in Foumban, a neighbouring town to Foumbot [ 7 ]. It was reported that increased access to impregnated mosquito bed nets is needed to reduce the risk of malaria infection [ 7 ]. With an increase in coverage rates and correct usage, LLINs could greatly assist in malaria elimination in Cameroon [ 5 ].…”

“…For example, Bamendjou is hypoendemic for malaria and has seasonal malaria parasite transmission [ 5 ]. Whereas malaria transmission in Foumbot is stable with most infections being asymptomatic [ 7 ]. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate malaria preventive measures among patients attending the Bamendjou and Foumbot district hospitals of the West Region of Cameroon.…”