Studying physical and sociological environment of malaria to implement an indoor insecticide spraying campaign in Oueme region, Benin

Abstract

Malaria is among the main problems of public health in Africa. In Benin, indoor residual spraying (IRS) of bendiocarb has been proposed by the National Malaria Control Programme in the districts of Adjohoun, Dangbo, Misserete and Seme to help eradicate the malaria-causing mosquito. Prior to implementing an IRS program, a study of the local physical and sociological environment was assessed to identify the existing limits of this strategy. Cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2008. A total of 3,228 persons (adult male and female heads of household) were included in the study through systematic random sampling procedure for household survey. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied for data collection. The findings showed that the mosquito bite was the most feared (54.4%) for all districts. The most popular practices used for malaria treatment were traditional (56.3%) and modern (43.7%) medicine. IRS was accepted by 98.7% of respondents. Most of the walls (71.5%) were smooth and lend themselves well to the insecticide treatment. Habitats made ​​of bamboo and straw were not appropriate for IRSdue to pollution and poisoning risks. Free distribution of insecticide treated nets was the strategy recommended for households of these types of habitat. Key words: Malaria-causing mosquito, questionnaire-based interview, indoor residual spraying (IRS), insecticide-treated net, Benin.