The feasibility of a bed net impregnation program to enhance control of Malayan filariasis along a swamp forest in southern Thailand.
The purpose of this study is to document the potential feasibility of using a bed net impregnation program to enhance the control of Malayan filariasis in southern Thailand. A survey was conducted in one Muslim and one Buddhist village along the swamp forest in Narathiwat Province. Face-to-face interview was employed to collect data on practice of bed net use, knowledge and attitudes on filarial control and acceptance if a bed net impregnation program were to be introduced. Bed nets were used by 98.5% of the study households. Both Muslims and Buddhists were all in bed by 23.00 hrs. By 03.00 hrs, more than 20% of Buddhists were out of bed for rubber tapping, whereas more than 90% of the Muslim were still in bed until 04.30 hrs. Combining our data with biting rate from a previous study, approximately one-third of Mansonia bites were protected by the current bed net practice. The impregnation program was potentially welcome by both groups of villagers. From this study, we conclude that a bed net impregnation program in this area is feasible.
Fumiya
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S
Faculty of Health Science, Aomori University of Health and Welfare, Hamadate, Japan. f_shiga@auhw.ac.jp
Chongsvivatwong
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V
Saburo
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U
Thammapalo
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S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007306:Insecticides; D008297:Male; D008368:Mansonelliasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000379:methods*; D011722:Pyrethrins; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology
D007306:Insecticides; D011722:Pyrethrins