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. 2012 Oct 9:11:342.
doi: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-342.

Feasibility and acceptability of insecticide-treated plastic sheeting (ITPS) for vector control in Papua New Guinea

Justin Pulford  1 , Anthony Tandrapah, Jo-An Atkinson, Brown Kaupa, Tanya Russell, Manuel W Hetzel
Affiliations

Feasibility and acceptability of insecticide-treated plastic sheeting (ITPS) for vector control in Papua New Guinea

Justin Pulford et al. Malar J. .

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing insecticide-treated plastic sheeting (ITPS) as a malaria control intervention in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Methods: ZeroVector® ITPS was installed in 40 homes across four study sites representing a cross section of malaria transmission risk and housing style. Structured questionnaires were completed at the time of ITPS installation (n=40) and at four weeks post installation (n=40) with the household head. Similarly, group interviews with the male and/or female household heads were completed at installation (n=5) and four-week follow-up (n=4).

Results: ZeroVector® ITPS was successfully installed in a range of homes employing traditional and/or modern building materials in PNG. The ITPS installations remained intact over the course of the four-week trial period and were highly acceptable to both male and female household heads. No dissatisfaction with the ITPS product was reported at four-week follow-up; however, the installation process was time consuming, participants reported a reduction in mosquito net use following ITPS installation and many participants expressed concern about the longevity of ITPS over the longer term.

Conclusion: ZeroVector® ITPS installation is feasible and highly acceptable in a diverse range of PNG contexts and is likely to be favourably received as a vector control intervention if accessible en masse. A longer-term evaluation is required before firm policy or public health decisions can be made regarding the potential application of ITPS in the national malaria control programme. The positive study findings suggest a longer-term evaluation of this promising malaria control intervention warrants consideration.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A traditional housing structure in Lokwitua, PNG Islands.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A traditional housing structure in Nauna, PNG lowlands.
Figure 3
Figure 3
A traditional housing structure in Masumave, PNG Highlands.
Figure 4
Figure 4
A home constructed out of commercial materials in Coffee Roots, PNG urban.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Installing ZeroVector® ITPS in a Highlands village house.
Figure 6
Figure 6
The interior wall of an Islands village house four-weeks post ZeroVector® ITPS installation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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