Asunto(s)
Menarquia , Caracteres Sexuales , Adolescente , Factores de Edad , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Pubertad/fisiología , Sri LankaRESUMEN
The Anti Malaria Campaign distributed approximately 300,000 long-lasting impregnated nets (LLINs) to malaria-endemic areas in Sri Lanka during the years 2005 to 2007. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among 2467 households distributed among the three major ethnic groups of Sri Lanka to study the perceptions and practices with regard to the use of LLINs in order to improve their use. In a majority of households the number of LLINs available was not sufficient for the number of people, although there was a small percentage of households that had excess nets. The information and advice given at the time of distribution regarding use of the nets differed amongst the three groups and was not consistent. Dissemination of this knowledge within the family was not observed. A relationship between knowledge regarding LLINs and reported practices on washing and drying of LLINs was found. It was noted that net shape may influence net use, with cone shaped nets being more popular. Efforts to increase knowledge on LLINs using behaviour change communication techniques would have more effectively contributed to achieve planned outcomes. Proper use of LLINs will undoubtedly contribute to further reduction of malaria in Sri Lanka.
Asunto(s)
Ropa de Cama y Ropa Blanca/estadística & datos numéricos , Detergentes , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Insecticidas , Malaria/prevención & control , Control de Mosquitos/métodos , Adulto , Animales , Ropa de Cama y Ropa Blanca/normas , Estudios Transversales , Composición Familiar , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Población Rural , Factores Socioeconómicos , Sri Lanka , Estadística como AsuntoRESUMEN
A high frequency of the G6PD deficient gene was detected in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The frequency in the ancient villages is much higher than that of the recently colonised areas. The Sinhalese and Ceylon Moors have a significantly higher frequency as opposed to the Ceylon Tamils. The distribution appears to be related to a history of exposure to malarial endemicity.
