Maternal Attitudes about Objectively Monitored Bednet Use in Rural Uganda

Paul J. Krezanoski, Data Santorino, Nuriat Nambogo, Jeffrey I. Campbell, David R. Bangsberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) are a mainstay of malaria prevention, yet poor adherence poses a major barrier to effective prevention. Self-reports of bednet use suffer from recall and social desirability biases. We have designed a device that electronically records ITN usage longitudinally. SmartNet consists of circuits made from a conductive fabric interwoven into the sides and top of a rectangular ITN. Digital sampling of the state of these circuits allows for determining whether the SmartNet is deployed for use or folded up. We conducted a study among pregnant women and women with children <5 years in Uganda to determine attitudes about objective bednet monitoring and SmartNet. Fifty women were interviewed with an average age of 27 years and 2.3 children. Twenty-two percent were pregnant. Ninety-five percent had used a bednet and 90% reported having a bednet at home. After displaying a SmartNet, 92% thought it would be easy to use and 100% expressed interest in using SmartNet. Concerns about SmartNet included washing the net, worries about being monitored while asleep, and worries about users removing the device components. Objective monitoring of ITN use appears to be acceptable among women in rural Uganda, setting the stage for further SmartNet field testing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number8727131
JournalMalaria Research and Treatment
Volume2016
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Maternal Attitudes about Objectively Monitored Bednet Use in Rural Uganda'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this