Comparison of Malaria Control Interventions in Southern Africa

There is lack of evidence on which of the two highly recommended malaria prevention methods, insecticide treated bednets and indoor residual spraying, is more effective than the other. There is also limited peer reviewed literature that compares the characteristics of people who use the two malaria prevention methods. Based on the Health Belief Model, the research questions tested whether there is any relationship between the use of mosquito bednet or the use of indoor residual spraying and contracting malaria, and whether there is any relationship between sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors and the use of malaria prevention methods. Using a quantitative research design, secondary data from the 2011 Angola malaria indicator survey were analyzed. Chi-square for association, logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression tests were used. There was no statistically significant association between the use of mosquito bednet and having malaria. However, the use of indoor residual spraying significantly reduced the likelihood of getting malaria. There was also a statistically significant association between place of residence, wealth index, level of education, and number of household members and using mosquito bednet and between wealth index and using indoor residual spraying. In conclusion, the malaria prevention programs should focus on indoor residual spraying. It is recommended that all households in southern Africa malaria prone areas should be regularly sprayed. The findings of this study contribute to positive social change in the sense that by using more effective malaria prevention method, individuals will be able to function normally on daily basis, save on expenses related to employment loses or treatment and care of the sick, as well as loss of life and improve own economic status