Biomedical subjects

Simon K Kariuki

Publications and source records attributed to Simon K Kariuki.

20 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Community-wide effects of permethrin-treated bed nets on child mortality and malaria morbidity in western Kenya.

Spatial analyses of the effect of insecticide (permethrin)-treated bed nets (ITNs) on nearby households both with and without ITNs was performed in the context of a large-scale, group-randomized, controlled mortality trial in Asembo, western Kenya. Results illustrate a protective effect of ITNs on compounds lacking ITNs located within 300 meters of compounds with ITNs for child mortality, moderate anemia, high-density parasitemia, and hemoglobin levels. This community effect on nearby compounds without nets is approximately as strong as the effect observed within villages with ITNs. This implies that in areas with intense malaria transmission with high ITN coverage, the primary effect of insecticide-treated nets is via area-wide effects on the mosquito population and not, as commonly supposed, by simple imposition of a physical barrier protecting individuals from biting. The strength of the community effect depended upon the proportion of nearby compounds with treated nets. To maximize their public health impact, high coverage with treated nets is essential.

Bedding and Linens↗

PubMed2003

Implications of the western Kenya permethrin-treated bed net study for policy, program implementation, and future research.

The fifth, and probably last, large-scale, group-randomized, controlled trial of insecticide (permethrin)-treated bed nets (ITNs) showed that ITNs are efficacious in reducing all-cause post-neonatal mortality in an area of intense, perennial malaria transmission. The trial helped to define pregnant women and infants as target groups for this intervention in high transmission settings. High population coverage with ITNs in both target and non-target groups may be critical to enhance health and survival in pregnant women and infants. The proportion of households with ITNs (coverage), the proportion of individuals properly deploying ITNs each night (adherence), and the proportion of nets properly treated with insecticide (treatment) are the three key determinants of effectiveness of large-scale ITN programs. These three simple outcomes should serve as the basis for program objectives and monitoring and evaluation efforts. Coverage effects and economic analysis support the proposition that ITNs may be viewed as a public good, worthy of public support. Research should continue to improve the intervention tools (the net, the insecticide, and methods for durable treatment and re-treatment) and their deployment.

Animals↗