Long-lasting insecticide-treated net use and malaria infections on the Kenyan coast

Abstract

Abstract Background A study was conducted to examine the impact of long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) use on the prevalence of malaria infections across all ages, 25 y after a trial of insecticide-treated nets was conducted in the same area along the Kenyan coast. Methods The study comprised four community-based infection surveys and a simultaneous 12-month surveillance at six government outpatient health facilities (March 2018–February 2019). Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of LLIN use on malaria infections across all ages. Results There was a high level of reported LLIN use by the community (72%), notably among children <5 y of age (84%). Across all ages, the adjusted odds ratio of LLIN use against asymptomatic parasitaemia in community surveys was 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36 to 0.57; p<0.001) and against fevers associated with infection presenting to health facilities was 0.63 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.68; p<0.001). Conclusions There was significant protection of LLIN use against malaria infections across all ages.