PERMETHRIN-IMPREGNATED BED NETS FOR MALARIA CONTROL IN NORTHERN GUATEMALA - EPIDEMIOLOGIC IMPACT AND COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE

Permethrin-impregnated bed nets were, evaluated as a control measure f or malaria in northern Guatemala. Twelve hundred forty participants we re allocated to one of three experimental groups (impregnated bed nets [IBN], untreated bed nets [UBN], and controls) and followed up for a period of 13 months. The incidence density of malaria was significantl y lower in both IBN (86 cases/ 1,000 person-years) and UBN groups (106 /1,000) compared with that in controls (200/1,000). No difference in m alaria incidence was noted between the IBN and UBN groups. Complaints of fever and chills were less frequent in the IBN group compared with controls. The participants were enthusiastic about the nets, which the y saw as a means for avoiding nuisance insects more than for preventin g malaria. Most (85%) wanted to wash their nets every 4-12 weeks, a pr actice known to shorten the duration of residual insecticide action. L arger studies are needed to determine whether or not impregnated bed n ets offer an advantage over untreated nets in this setting.