A cross-sectional observational study investigating the association between sedges (swamp grasses, Cyperaceae) and the prevalence of immature malaria vectors in aquatic habitats along the shore of Lake Victoria, western Kenya

Background: Strategies that involve manipulations of the odour-orientation of gravid malaria vectors could lead to novel attract-and-kill interventions. Recent work has highlighted the potential involvement of graminoid plants in luring vectors to oviposition sites. This study aimed to analyse the association between water-indicating graminoid plants (Cyperaceae, sedges), other abiotic and biotic factors and the presence and abundance of early instar Anopheles larvae in aquatic habitats as a proxy indicator for oviposition. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 110 aquatic habitats along the shores of Lake Victoria was done during the rainy season. Habitats were sampled for mosquito larvae using the sweep-net method and habitat characteristics recorded. Results: Anopheles arabiensis was the dominant species identified from aquatic habitats. Larvae of the secondary malaria vectors such as Anopheles coustani, An. rufipes and An. maculipalpis were found only in habitats covered with graminoids, whereas An. arabiensis, An. ziemanni and An. pharoensis were found in both habitats with and without graminoid plants. The hypothesis that sedges might be positively associated with the presence and abundance of early instar Anopheles larvae could not be confirmed. The dominant graminoid plants in the habitats were Panicum repens, Cynodon dactylon in the Poaceae family and Cyperus rotundus in the Cyperaceae family. All of these habitats supported abundant immature vector populations. The presence of early instar larvae was significantly and positively associated with swamp habitat types (OR=22, 95% CI=6-86, P<0.001) and abundance of late Anopheles larvae (OR=359, CI=33-3941, P<0.001), whilst the association was negative with tadpole presence (OR=0.1, CI=0.0.01-0.5, P=0.008). Conclusions: Early instar malaria vectors were abundant in habitats densely vegetated with graminoid plants in the study area but specific preference for any of the graminoids could not be detected. In search for oviposition cues, it might be useful to screen for chemical volatiles released from all dominant plant species.

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A cross-sectional observational study investigating the association between sedges (swamp grasses, Cyperaceae) and the prevalence of immature malaria vectors in aquatic habitats along the shore of Lake Victoria, western Kenya

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.25673.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 1032

Author(s):

Getachew E. Bokore ◽

Paul Ouma ◽

Patrick O. Onyango ◽

Tullu Bukhari ◽

Ulrike Fillinger

Keyword(s):

Cynodon Dactylon ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Cyperus Rotundus ◽

Habitat Characteristics ◽

Malaria Vectors ◽

Aquatic Habitats ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Poaceae Family ◽

Early Instar

Background: Strategies that involve manipulations of the odour-orientation of gravid malaria vectors could lead to novel attract-and-kill interventions. Recent work has highlighted the potential involvement of graminoid plants in luring vectors to oviposition sites. This study aimed to analyse the association between water-indicating graminoid plants (Cyperaceae, sedges), other abiotic and biotic factors and the presence and abundance of early instar Anopheles larvae in aquatic habitats as a proxy indicator for oviposition. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 110 aquatic habitats along the shores of Lake Victoria was done during the rainy season. Habitats were sampled for mosquito larvae using the sweep-net method and habitat characteristics recorded. Results: Anopheles arabiensis was the dominant species identified from aquatic habitats. Larvae of the secondary malaria vectors such as Anopheles coustani, An. rufipes and An. maculipalpis were found only in habitats covered with graminoids, whereas An. arabiensis, An. ziemanni and An. pharoensis were found in both habitats with and without graminoid plants. The hypothesis that sedges might be positively associated with the presence and abundance of early instar Anopheles larvae could not be confirmed. The dominant graminoid plants in the habitats were Panicum repens, Cynodon dactylon in the Poaceae family and Cyperus rotundus in the Cyperaceae family. All of these habitats supported abundant immature vector populations. The presence of early instar larvae was significantly and positively associated with swamp habitat types (OR=22, 95% CI=6-86, P<0.001) and abundance of late Anopheles larvae (OR=359, CI=33-3941, P<0.001), and negatively associated with the presence of tadpoles (OR=0.1, CI=0.0.01-0.5, P=0.008). Conclusions: Early instar malaria vectors were abundant in habitats densely vegetated with graminoid plants in the study area but no specific preference could be detected for any species or family. In search for oviposition cues, it might be useful to screen for chemical volatiles released from all dominant plant species.

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Correlates of family planning knowledge among people in fishing communities of Lake Victoria in Uganda

10.21203/rs.3.rs-15612/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Annet Nanvubya ◽

R.K. Wanyenze ◽

T. Nakaweesa ◽

J. Mpendo ◽

B. Kawoozo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Side Effects ◽

Hiv Prevention ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Cultural Beliefs ◽

Fishing Communities ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevention Trials

Abstract BackgroundFamily planning (FP) is a key component in the conduct of HIV prevention trials and FP knowledge is a determinant of modern contraceptive use. Although fishing communities (FCs) participate in HIV prevention trials, knowledge about FP in this population is scarcely known. We determined correlates of FP knowledge in FCs of L. Victoria in Uganda to inform improvements in FP interventions in preparation for other HIV prevention trials.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among participants aged 16-49 years in Kigungu and Nsazi FCs. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to assess FP knowledge. A composite score with 5 parameters including; awareness about FP methods, knowledge about ideal number of children for a couple, knowledge about ideal birth spacing interval, knowledge about FP methods and their side effects and interval between the last 2 children was used to determine whether participant’s knowledge was or wasn’t satisfactory. Satisfactory FP knowledge was attributed to a score of ≥80% from the five parameters. We also conducted 10 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions.ResultsOf the 1,410 screened participants, 95% were aware of at least one FP method while only 21% had satisfactory knowledge. Participants aged 30-39 years, those engaged in trade/business, housewives, those from Nsazi, the married or those who were divorced, separated or widowed were more likely to have satisfactory FP knowledge compared to those aged 16-29 years (aOR: 1.59 95% CI: 1.14-2.22), farmers (aOR: 3.14 95% CI: 1.21-8.17), and (aOR: 3.69 95% CI: 1.35-10.1), those from Kigungu (aOR: 1.58 95%CI: 1.09-2.30), those who were single (aOR: 6.96 95% CI: 3.42-14.13) or (aOR: 17.67 95% CI: 8.54-36.54).There were concerns about side effects and effectiveness of some modern FP methods. Misconceptions about effects of FP like sterility, cancers and foetal abnormalities were common. Cultural beliefs on contraception are key barriers to FP information.ConclusionPeople from FCs in Uganda are aware of FP but their knowledge is largely unsatisfactory. Concerns about method safety, effectiveness of some methods, misconceptions and cultural barriers exist. A FP education tool tailored for a mobile, high risk and remote population is recommended to improve FP knowledge.

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Components of antenatal care received by women in fishing communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda; a cross sectional survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-20221/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ali Ssetaala ◽

Joan Nabawanuka ◽

Gideon Matovu ◽

Nusula Nakiragga ◽

Judith Namugga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Health Workers ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Fishing Communities ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Island Communities ◽

Development Goals ◽

Victoria Island

Abstract Background: Uganda has one of the highest maternal deaths at a ratio of 336 per 100,000 live births. As Uganda strives to achieve sustainable development goals, appropriate antenatal care is key to reduction of maternal mortality. We explored women’s reported receipt of seven of the Uganda guidelines components of antenatal care, and associated factors in hard to reach Lake Victoria island fishing communities of Kalangala district.Methods: A cross sectional survey among 486 consenting women aged 15-49 years, who were pregnant at any time in the past 6 months was conducted in 6 island fishing communities of Kalangala district, Uganda, during January-May 2018. Interviewer administered questionnaires, were used to collect data on socio-demographics and receipt of seven of the Uganda guidelines components of antenatal care. Regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with receipt of all seven components. Results: Over three fifths (65.0%) had at least one ANC visit during current or most recent pregnancy. Fewer than a quarter of women who reported attending care at least four times received all seven ANC components [(23.6%), P<0.05]. Women who reported receipt of ANC from the mainland were twice as likely to have received all seven components as those who received care from islands (aOR=1.8; 95% CI:0.9-3.7). Receipt of care from a doctor was associated with thrice likelihood of receiving all components relative to ANC by a midwife or nurse (aOR=3.2; 95% CI:1.1-9.1). Conclusions: We observed that the delivery of antenatal care components per Ugandan guidelines is poor in these communities. Cost effective endeavors to improve components of antenatal care received by women are urgently needed. Task shifting some components of ANC to community health workers may improve care in these island communities.Trial Registration: PACTR201903906459874 (Retrospectively registered).

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Components of antenatal care received by women in fishing communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda; a cross sectional survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-20221/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ali Ssetaala ◽

Joan Nabawanuka ◽

Gideon Matovu ◽

Nusula Nakiragga ◽

Judith Namugga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Health Workers ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Fishing Communities ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Island Communities ◽

Development Goals ◽

Victoria Island

Abstract Background: Uganda has one of the highest maternal deaths at a ratio of 336 per 100,000 live births. As Uganda strives to achieve sustainable development goals, appropriate antenatal care is key to reduction of maternal mortality. We explored women’s reported receipt of seven of the Uganda guidelines components of antenatal care, and associated factors in hard to reach Lake Victoria island fishing communities of Kalangala district. Methods: A cross sectional survey among 486 consenting women aged 15-49 years, who were pregnant at any time in the past 6 months was conducted in 6 island fishing communities of Kalangala district, Uganda, during January-May 2018. Interviewer administered questionnaires, were used to collect data on socio-demographics and receipt of seven of the Uganda guidelines components of antenatal care. Regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with receipt of all seven components. Results: Over three fifths (65.0%) had at least one ANC visit during current or most recent pregnancy. Fewer than a quarter of women who reported attending care at least four times received all seven ANC components [(23.6%), P<0.05]. Women who reported receipt of ANC from the mainland were twice as likely to have received all seven components as those who received care from islands (aOR=1.8; 95% CI:0.9-3.7). Receipt of care from a doctor was associated with thrice likelihood of receiving all components relative to ANC by a midwife or nurse (aOR=3.2; 95% CI:1.1-9.1). Conclusions: We observed that the delivery of antenatal care components per Ugandan guidelines is poor in these communities. Cost effective endeavors to improve components of antenatal care received by women are urgently needed. Task shifting some components of ANC to community health workers may improve care in these island communities. Trial Registration: PACTR201903906459874 (Retrospectively registered).

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Antenatal Care Practices Among Hard-to-Reach Fishing Communities on Lake Victoria: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/2150132720923101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 215013272092310 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ali Ssetaala ◽

Joan Nabawanuka ◽

Gideon Matovu ◽

Nusula Nakiragga ◽

Judith Namugga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Public Health Facility ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Fishing Communities ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Community ◽

Late Start

Background: Uganda has one of the highest maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, with a mortality ratio of 336 per 100 000 live births. Early regular antenatal care (ANC) helps prevent adverse outcomes, including deaths, through prevention, identification, treatment, and/or referral of at-risk women. We explored ANC practices and associated factors among women from hard-to-reach Lake Victoria islands fishing communities in Kalangala district, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among 486 consenting women aged 15 to 49 years, who were pregnant or had a birth or abortion in the past 6 months was conducted in 6 island fishing communities of Kalangala district, Uganda, during January to May 2018. ODK software interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographics and ANC practices. Regression modeling using STATA version 15 was used to determine factors associated with ANC visits. Results: Women’s median (range) age was 26 (15-45) years, 63% (304/486) had up to primary level education, 45% (219/486) were housewives (stay home mums), 87% (423/486) were married. ANC visits ranged from 0 to 10, with over three-fifths of women having their first visit late after 3 months of being pregnant (63%, 198/316). Women without a history of pregnancy loss (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0), those not staying with their partners (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.0), and those whose partners were working in fishing-related activities (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.0) were likely to have started care late. Women from communities with a public health facility and those with partners working in none fishing-related activities had the highest predicted number of visits. Conclusion: Antenatal practices among these communities are characterized by late start of care. Community-led early ANC awareness interventions are needed. Targeted health policies need to consider public ANC facilities for each island for improved antenatal outcomes and maternal health.

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Nutritional Vulnerability of Older Persons Living in Urban Areas of Lake Victoria Basin in East Africa: A Cross Sectional Survey

Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics ◽

10.1080/21551197.2012.647562 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 86-96 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Maureen J. Cheserek ◽

Judith N. Waudo ◽

Prisca J. Tuitoek ◽

John M. Msuya ◽

Joyce K. Kikafunda

Keyword(s):

East Africa ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Older Persons ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Lake Victoria Basin ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

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Correlates of knowledge of family planning among people living in fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda

10.21203/rs.3.rs-15612/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Annet Nanvubya ◽

R.K. Wanyenze ◽

T. Nakaweesa ◽

J. Mpendo ◽

B. Kawoozo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Clinical Research ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Fishing Communities ◽

Access To Health Services ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

The Mean

Abstract Knowledge of family planning (FP) is a key determinant of contraceptive use which ultimately plays a role in attainment of good health and in conduct of clinical research. People living in fishing communities (FCs) have limited access to health services including FP and are targeted for future clinical research but their knowledge of FP and its correlates are scantily known. We determined correlates of knowledge of FP among people living in FCs of L. Victoria in Uganda to inform future FP education programs in FCs. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional survey among participants aged 15-49 years from Kigungu and Nsazi. Participants were asked if they were aware of any FP method. All those who responded in the affirmative were further asked to mention what FP methods they had heard of or knew. Those who reported knowledge of at least one FP method were asked a series of questions about FP methods and their side effects. Knowledge was categorized into good or poor knowledge based on their mean total score. Poor knowledge constituted a score below the mean while good knowledge constituted a score of more than or equal to the mean total score. To further explore attitudes and perceptions of FP, ten in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted. Of the 1,410 screened participants, 94.5% were aware of at least one FP method. Pills and injectable hormonal methods were the most commonly known methods. Slightly over a third (38%) had good knowledge of FP. Correlates of knowledge of FP were; being female (aOR: 1.92 95% CI: 1.39-2.67), residing in Kigungu (aOR: 4.01 95% CI: 2.77-5.81), being married (aOR: 1.59 95% CI: 1.11-2.28) and currently being in a sexual relationship (aOR: 1.75 95% CI: 1.18-2.60). Concerns about safety and effectiveness of some modern FP methods exist. Misconceptions on effects of FP like sterility, cancers and foetal abnormalities were common. FP awareness among people living in FCs of L. Victoria in Uganda is high. However, good knowledge about specific methods tends to be low. Correlates of knowledge of FP include gender, residence, marital status and sexual engagement.

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Grass-Like Plants Release General Volatile Cues Attractive for Gravid Anopheles Gambiae S.S. Malaria Vector Mosquitoes

10.21203/rs.3.rs-645177/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Getachew Eticha Bokore ◽

Linus Svenberg ◽

Richard Tamre ◽

Patrick Onyango ◽

Tullu Bukhari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anopheles Gambiae ◽

Plant Species ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

Chemical Cues ◽

Cyperus Rotundus ◽

Malaria Vectors ◽

Large Field ◽

General Nature ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Poaceae Family

Abstract Background: Understanding the ecology and behaviour of disease vectors, including the olfactory cues used to orient and select hosts and egg-laying sites, are essential for the development of novel, insecticide-free control tools. Selected graminoid plants have been shown to release volatile chemicals attracting malaria vectors, however, whether the attraction is selective to individual plants or more general across genera and families is still unclear. Methods: To contribute to the current evidence, we implemented bioassays in two-port airflow olfactometers and in large field cages with four live graminoid plant species commonly found associated with malaria vector breeding sites in western Kenya, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus exaltatus of the Cyperaceae family and Panicum repens and Cynodon dactylon of the Poaceae family. Additionally, we tested one Poaceae species, Cenchrus setaceum, not usually associated with water. The volatile compounds released in the headspace of the plants were identified using gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry.Results: All five plants attracted gravid vectors, with the odds of a mosquito orienting towards the choice-chamber with the plant in an olfactometer being 2-5 times higher than when no plant was present. This attraction was maintained when tested with free-flying mosquitoes over a longer distance in large field cages, though at lower strength, with the odds of attracting a female 1.5-2.5 times higher when live plants were present than when only water was presented in the trap. Cyperus rotundus, previously implicated in connection with an oviposition attractant, consistently elicited the strongest response from gravid vectors. Volatiles regularly detected were limonene, β-pinene, β-elemene and β-caryophyllene among other common plant compounds previously described in association with odour-orientation of gravid and unfed malaria vectors. Conclusions: The present study confirms that gravid Anopheles gambiae use chemical cues released from graminoid plants to orientate. These cues are released from a variety of graminoid plant species in both the Cyperaceae and Poaceae family. Given the general nature of these cues, it appears unlikely that they are exclusively used for the location of suitable oviposition sites. The utilisation of these chemical cues for attract-and-kill trapping strategies must be explored under natural conditions to investigate their efficiency when in competition with complex interacting natural cues.

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Preventive Measures Against The Vectors Of Malaria In Akanda, Southwest Gabon: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, And Beliefs

European Scientific Journal ESJ ◽

10.19044/esj.2021.v17n21p169 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (21) ◽

pp. 169

Author(s):

Richard Pamba ◽

Silas Lendzele Sevidzem ◽

Aubin Armel Koumba ◽

Christophe Roland Zinga-Koumba ◽

Audrey Prisca Melodie Ovono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preventive Measures ◽

Indoor Residual Spraying ◽

Malaria Vectors ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Literacy Rate ◽

Beliefs And Practices ◽

Age Cohorts ◽

Insecticide Treated Bed Nets

Background: Reliable data on the Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices (KABP) of the indigenes of Akanda and its environs on the different approaches to fight against vectors of malaria is lacking. Objective: To evaluate the KABP of the indigenes of Akanda and its environs on the different techniques used to fight against vectors of malaria. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey using semi-structured questionnaires was conducted on heads of randomly selected households at Akanda from April to June 2019. Results: We interviewed 369 heads of households and the population had a high literacy rate. It was noticed that 94% of respondents knew that mosquitoes could transmit malaria. More than 80% believed that Insecticide-Treated bed Nets (ITNs) could protect them from malaria infection. There was no preference in ITNs usage with age cohorts and seasons of the year. The ITNs owned by respondents were mostly purchased from shops. Respondents underlined that their reluctance to sleep under ITNs was because of their inability to breath under such conditions. Also, apart from the use of ITNs for malaria control, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) using insecticides (mostly Rambo®) purchased from shops and cleaning around house surroundings were practiced by >50% of respondents. Conclusion: Despite respondent’s awareness of mosquitoes as vectors of malaria as well as the use of ITNs, IRS, and cleaning of home surroundings to reduce malaria vectors burden, the ITNs coverage rate is very weak and more sensitization is also required at Akanda in Gabon.

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Rubber plantations and drug resistant malaria: a cross-sectional survey in Cambodia

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-019-3000-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rebecca Thomson ◽

Phok Sochea ◽

Mak Sarath ◽

Amanda MacDonald ◽

Abigail Pratt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Genetic Mutation ◽

Malaria Prevalence ◽

Malaria Vectors ◽

Survey Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Prevalence Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rubber Plantations

Abstract Background The ongoing spread of artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a major threat to global health. In response, countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, including Cambodia, have declared ambitious goals to eliminate malaria. Major challenges include the lack of information on the at-risk population-individuals who live or work in or near the forest where the malaria vectors are found, including plantation workers. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap through a cross-sectional survey conducted in rubber plantations in Cambodia in 2014. Methods The survey was conducted in two rounds in four provinces and included a malaria prevalence survey, analysis for the K13 genetic mutation, and a comprehensive behavioural questionnaire. Forty plantations were included in each round, and 4201 interviews were conducted. An additional 701 blood samples were collected from family members of plantation workers. Results Overall malaria prevalence was relatively low with adjusted PCR prevalence rate of 0.6% for P. falciparum and 0.3% for Plasmodium vivax, and was very heterogenous between plantations. There was little difference in risk between permanent residents and temporary workers, and between the two rounds. The main risk factors for P. falciparum infection were smaller plantations, age under 30 years, lack of self-reported use of a treated net and recent travel, especially to the Northeastern provinces. Proximity of plantations to the forest was also a risk factor for malaria in round one, while male gender was also a risk factor for malaria by either species. Conclusions With Cambodia’s P. falciparum elimination target on the horizon, identifying every single malaria case will become increasingly important. Plantations workers are relatively accessible compared to some other at-risk groups and will likely remain a high priority. Ongoing surveillance and adaptive strategies will be critical if malaria elimination is to be achieved in this setting.

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