Free distribution of insecticide treated bed nets to pregnant women in Kinshasa: an effective way to achieve 80% use by women and their newborns.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether long lasting insecticide treated bed nets (LLINs) distributed free of charge to pregnant women at their first antenatal clinic visit in Kinshasa, DRC are used from the time of distribution to delivery and 6 months after delivery.


METHODS
Women were enrolled into a cohort study at their first antenatal care (ANC) visit and provided LLINs free of charge. Reported use of these nets was then measured at the time of delivery (n = 328) and in a random sample of women (n = 100) 6 months post-delivery using an interviewer administered, structured questionnaire.


RESULTS
At baseline, only 25% of women reported having slept under a bed net the night before the interview. At the time of delivery, after being provided an LLIN for free, this increased to 79%. Six months post-delivery (n = 100), 80% of women reported sleeping under a net with a child under the age of 5 the night before the interview.


CONCLUSIONS
Freely distributed bed nets are acceptable, feasible and result in high usage. Free distribution of bed nets during antenatal clinic visits may be a highly effective way to rapidly increase the use of bed nets among both pregnant women and their newborn infants in areas with high levels of ANC attendance.
Pettifor
Audrey
A
Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. apettif@email.unc.edu
Taylor
Eboni
E
Nku
David
D
Duvall
Sandra
S
Tabala
Martine
M
Mwandagalirwa
Kashamuka
K
Meshnick
Steve
S
Behets
Frieda
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D015023:Democratic Republic of the Congo; D003906:Developing Countries; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D007306:Insecticides