The efficacy of permethrin-treated bed nets on child mortality and morbidity in western Kenya II. Study design and methods

• Published in: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene Vol. 68; no. 4 Suppl; p. 10
• Main Authors: Phillips-Howard, Penelope A, ter Kuile, Feiko O, Nahlen, Bernard L, Alaii, Jane A, Gimnig, John E, Kolczak, Margarette S, Terlouw, Dianne J, Kariuki, Simon K, Shi, Ya Ping, Kachur, S Patrick, Hightower, Allen W, Vulule, John M, Hawley, William A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-04-2003
• Subjects: Bedding and Linens; Child; Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Insecticides - pharmacology; Kenya - epidemiology; Malaria - epidemiology; Malaria - mortality; Malaria - prevention & control; Patient Care Team; Permethrin - pharmacology; Kenya
• ISSN: 0002-9637
• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2003.68.10

This paper describes the study design and methods used in a large community-based, group-randomized, controlled trial of permethrin-treated bed nets (ITNs) in an area with intense, perennial malaria transmission in western Kenya conducted between 1996 and 1999. A multi-disciplinary framework was used to explore the efficacy of ITNs in the reduction of all-cause mortality in children less than five years old, the clinical, entomologic, immunologic, and economic impact of ITNs, the social and behavioral determinants of ITN use, and the use of a geographic information system to allow for spatial analyses of these outcomes. Methodologic difficulties encountered in such large-scale field trials are discussed.