Follow-up for ITN attrition
MALARIA
All households in cohort 1 (at least 750 nets/arm) will be visited at 6-, 12-, 24- and 36-months post ITN distribution and nets assessed for attrition at each timepoint by recording the physical presence/absence of each net that was marked in the household. Where a net is not found, the householder will be asked about the reason for the loss of the net, e.g. given away, sold, stolen, worn out and disposed of. Any net which has never been used, will be recorded, and excluded from the analysis. During these surveys, a questionnaire adapted from WHO guidelines will be used to collect data on the number of washes and washing practices for the nets found in each household.ITN retention may also be affected by householders’ preference of the fabric type used in the formulation of the net. A low preference for polyethylene nets has been previously observed in Benin by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), which may differentially affect the retention of Royal Guard