Effectiveness of New-Generation Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Reducing Malaria Incidence: Evidence from a Community-Based Study in Mangoum, Cameroon
Abstract:
In Cameroon, malaria remains a major public health burden, particularly in semi-rural communities such as Mangoum. Malaria incidence remains high, prompting the introduction of new-generation LLINs designed to improve vector control, overcome insecticide resistance, and enhance durability, despite widespread distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). Evidence on their effectiveness in community settings is however limited. This study looked at the effectiveness of new-generation LLINs on malaria transmission in Mangoum, Foumbot. A community-based quasi-experimental design was conducted among 395 households receiving new-generation LLINs. Structured questionnaires via Kobo Collect were used to collect multistage sampling selected participants, and quantitative data on LLIN ownership, usage patterns, and malaria cases before and after distribution. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests in SPSS version 25 were used to analyze data, with p < 0.05 set as significance. Analysis showed strong associations between LLIN utilization and motivation to use nets (χ²(9) = 60.079, p < 0.001), net sufficiency (χ² = 27.219, p = 0.001), and perceived effectiveness (χ² = 29.54, p < 0.001). Households reporting more than five malaria cases decreased from 8.6% to 1.8% (χ² = 62.39, p < 0.001), LLIN usage correlated with malaria reduction (χ² = 26.237, p < 0.001), and longer net use was associated with fewer cases (χ² = 31.442, p < 0.001), which signifies malaria incidence declined significantly after distribution. A 40.7% decline in confirmed malaria cases was confirmed by health facility records. These findings demonstrate that malaria incidence is significantly reduced at the household level by new-generation LLINs, and that the effectiveness of LLIN-based malaria control strategies in similar community settings could further be enhanced by strengthening household coverage and promoting consistent nightly use.References:
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