Factors associated with hemoglobin concentrations in pre-school children in Western Kenya: cross-sectional studies.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the etiology of anemia in early childhood is complex and multifactorial. Three community-based cross-sectional surveys were used to determine the prevalence and severity of anemia. Regression methods were used to compare mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations across covariate levels to identify children at risk of low Hb levels in an area with intense malaria transmission.

The household-level economics of using permethrin-treated bed nets to prevent malaria in children less than five years of age.

We measured the two-week household-level economic impact of insecticide (permethrin)-treated bed nets (ITNs) used to prevent malaria among children less than five years of age in Asembo, Kenya. The ITNs induced a two-week reduction of 15 Kenyan shillings (KSH) (0.25 U.

Factors affecting use of permethrin-treated bed nets during a randomized controlled trial in western Kenya.

Adherence with permethrin-treated bed net (ITN) use and their proper deployment was directly observed in 2,178 individuals (784 households) participating in a large-scale trial of ITNs on child mortality in western Kenya. The ITNs were distributed free of charge to ensure high coverage, resulting in a ratio of 1.46 persons per ITN.

Diagnostic and prescribing practices in peripheral health facilities in rural western Kenya.

Health facility ledgers of 11 rural health facilities in western Kenya were reviewed to evaluate diagnostic and prescribing practices. Clinics lacked laboratory facilities. Of 14,267 sick child visits (SCVs), 76% were diagnosed with malaria and/or upper respiratory infections.

Impact of permethrin-treated bed nets on the incidence of sick child visits to peripheral health facilities.

During a randomized controlled trial of insecticide (permethrin)-treated bed nets (ITNs) in an area with intense malaria transmission in western Kenya, we monitored 20,915 sick child visits (SCVs) by children less than five years of age visiting seven peripheral health facilities. The SCVs were monitored over a four-year period both before (1995-1996) and during the intervention (1997-1998). Results are used to estimate the effect of ITNs on the burden of malaria in this community and to evaluate the potential role of these facilities in assessment of the impact of large-scale public health interventions.