The PMI VectorLink Madagascar 2018 ITN Durability Monitoring 36-Month Follow-Up Study Report

The study aimed to evaluate the physical integrity, insecticidal effectiveness, and content of campaign ITNs over a 36-month period. The study was conducted in 15 districts across Madagascar, with a total of 2,400 households recruited at baseline. The households were followed up at 12, 24, and 36 months to assess the durability of the ITNs. The study used a combination of surveys, observations, and bioassays to collect data on ITN durability, handling, and use. The results of the study showed that the physical integrity of the ITNs declined over time, with 34% of the ITNs surviving in serviceable condition at 36 months. The median survival time of the ITNs was estimated to be 3.5 years. The study also found that the insecticidal effectiveness of the ITNs remained high throughout the study period, with a cone bioassay mortality rate of 95% at 36 months. The study identified several factors that contributed to the durability of the ITNs, including the type of sleeping place, handling practices, and washing habits. The study found that households that used the ITNs in a well-ventilated area and handled them gently had higher durability rates. The study also found that the use of bioassay test ITNs was associated with higher durability rates. The study concluded that the PMI VectorLink Project's ITN distribution strategy was effective in increasing ITN access and use among the target population. However, the study also identified several challenges and lessons learned, including the need for improved ITN handling and maintenance practices, and the importance of monitoring ITN durability over time. The study's findings have implications for the development of effective ITN distribution strategies and the improvement of ITN durability. The study's results can inform the design of future ITN distribution programs and the development of interventions to improve ITN handling and maintenance practices. The study's methodology involved a combination of surveys, observations, and bioassays to collect data on ITN durability, handling, and use. The study used a randomized controlled trial design to compare the durability of campaign ITNs with non-campaign ITNs. The study also used a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to estimate the median survival time of the ITNs. The study's results were presented in a series of tables and figures, including the baseline, 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month round results, demographic, environmental, and health indicators in the study areas, and the prevalence of household risk factors for damage. The study's results were also presented in a series of box plots and Kaplan-Meier curves to illustrate the durability of the ITNs over time. The study's conclusions were based on the analysis of the data collected through the surveys, observations, and bioassays. The study's findings were presented in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on the key results and implications for the development of effective ITN distribution strategies.