Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya
Abstract Background Malaria transmission in Africa significantly declined between 2005 and 2015 due to widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). However, since 2015, transmission has increased due to insecticide resistance and biting at times when people are not using ITNs. Spatial...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Malaria Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05452-0 |
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| author | Sheila Muya Ekodir Lucy Baker Julius I. Odero Jane Klein A. Ikapesi Moureen Ekisa Albert Casella April Monroe Anna Passaniti Eric Ochomo Steven A. Harvey |
| author_facet | Sheila Muya Ekodir Lucy Baker Julius I. Odero Jane Klein A. Ikapesi Moureen Ekisa Albert Casella April Monroe Anna Passaniti Eric Ochomo Steven A. Harvey |
| author_sort | Sheila Muya Ekodir |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Malaria transmission in Africa significantly declined between 2005 and 2015 due to widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). However, since 2015, transmission has increased due to insecticide resistance and biting at times when people are not using ITNs. Spatial repellents (SRs) may help address these challenges. A double-blinded cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT) in Busia County, Kenya, reported that Mosquito Shield™, a transfluthrin-based SR, reduced malaria infections by 33.4% during interim analysis and 32.7% by the end of the study, among children aged 6 months to 10 years. Understanding community responses to SRs is critical for their successful deployment and long-term use. This paper reports the initial community response to MosquitoShield™ as part of the Advancing Evidence for the Global Implementation of Spatial Repellents (AEGIS) project. Methods Longitudinal qualitative data were collected from 30 households participating in the cRCT, using modified trials of improved practices (TIPs) to assess participants’ perceptions of MosquitoShield’s utility, efficacy, appearance, and user experience with monthly product replacement. This analysis focuses on initial responses recorded one week and two months post-installation. The data were analysed using thematic coding, with researchers blinded to trial arm assignment. Results The participants reported a positive initial response to the SR, with a significant perceived reduction in mosquito density and activity. Some also reported concerns about the product’s effectiveness over time and its comparison with existing mosquito control methods, particularly after first replacement. Participants highlighted their perception that the SR provided continuous protection in contrast with the situational protection offered by ITNs. Improvement suggestions included modified installation methods plus a longer-lasting product that protected more space. Conclusion MosquitoShield™ shows potential as a promising malaria prevention tool among communities in Busia County, Kenya. Incorporating user feedback and addressing concerns about product installation, duration, and coverage are crucial for successful implementation. Future research exploring community perceptions, cultural factors and behavioural responses related to long-term acceptability and the impact of SRs on malaria transmission will be crucial to ensure effective SR implementation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a06fa08afa264ffebfb1b658008975ba |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1475-2875 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Malaria Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-a06fa08afa264ffebfb1b658008975ba2025-08-20T03:03:41ZengBMCMalaria Journal1475-28752025-07-012411910.1186/s12936-025-05452-0Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, KenyaSheila Muya Ekodir0Lucy Baker1Julius I. Odero2Jane Klein A. Ikapesi3Moureen Ekisa4Albert Casella5April Monroe6Anna Passaniti7Eric Ochomo8Steven A. Harvey9Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteDepartment of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthCentre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteCentre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteCentre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteJohns Hopkins Center for Communication ProgramsJohns Hopkins Center for Communication ProgramsJohns Hopkins Center for Communication ProgramsCentre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteDepartment of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthAbstract Background Malaria transmission in Africa significantly declined between 2005 and 2015 due to widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). However, since 2015, transmission has increased due to insecticide resistance and biting at times when people are not using ITNs. Spatial repellents (SRs) may help address these challenges. A double-blinded cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT) in Busia County, Kenya, reported that Mosquito Shield™, a transfluthrin-based SR, reduced malaria infections by 33.4% during interim analysis and 32.7% by the end of the study, among children aged 6 months to 10 years. Understanding community responses to SRs is critical for their successful deployment and long-term use. This paper reports the initial community response to MosquitoShield™ as part of the Advancing Evidence for the Global Implementation of Spatial Repellents (AEGIS) project. Methods Longitudinal qualitative data were collected from 30 households participating in the cRCT, using modified trials of improved practices (TIPs) to assess participants’ perceptions of MosquitoShield’s utility, efficacy, appearance, and user experience with monthly product replacement. This analysis focuses on initial responses recorded one week and two months post-installation. The data were analysed using thematic coding, with researchers blinded to trial arm assignment. Results The participants reported a positive initial response to the SR, with a significant perceived reduction in mosquito density and activity. Some also reported concerns about the product’s effectiveness over time and its comparison with existing mosquito control methods, particularly after first replacement. Participants highlighted their perception that the SR provided continuous protection in contrast with the situational protection offered by ITNs. Improvement suggestions included modified installation methods plus a longer-lasting product that protected more space. Conclusion MosquitoShield™ shows potential as a promising malaria prevention tool among communities in Busia County, Kenya. Incorporating user feedback and addressing concerns about product installation, duration, and coverage are crucial for successful implementation. Future research exploring community perceptions, cultural factors and behavioural responses related to long-term acceptability and the impact of SRs on malaria transmission will be crucial to ensure effective SR implementation.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05452-0Malaria preventionSpatial repellentCommunity acceptabilityVector controlTrials of Improved Practices (TIPs)Kenya |
| spellingShingle | Sheila Muya Ekodir Lucy Baker Julius I. Odero Jane Klein A. Ikapesi Moureen Ekisa Albert Casella April Monroe Anna Passaniti Eric Ochomo Steven A. Harvey Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya Malaria Journal Malaria prevention Spatial repellent Community acceptability Vector control Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) Kenya |
| title | Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya |
| title_full | Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya |
| title_fullStr | Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya |
| title_full_unstemmed | Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya |
| title_short | Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya |
| title_sort | initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in busia county kenya |
| topic | Malaria prevention Spatial repellent Community acceptability Vector control Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) Kenya |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05452-0 |
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