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Abstract:
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Malaria, along with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, is one of the major public health concerns in underdeveloped countries today. The infectious disease infects more than 300 million people a year and kills 1.5 to 2.7 million individuals annually. Furthermore, the infectious disease kills an estimated one million children under five a year or one child every 30 seconds. This thesis contributes to the fight against malaria by providing research on factors that contribute to the possession and use of prevention methods, specifically mosquito nets, for children under five in Kenya. This thesis evaluates the results of two regression models on ownership and use of a mosquito net in a household with a child under five. In general, household size and wealth, geography, age, education, and marital status of the mother, decision-making power, exposure to the radio, television, and newspaper, and husband's education are all correlated with the possession of a net in a household with a child under five. Furthermore, household size and wealth, number of children under five, education and pregnancy status of the mother, and exposure to television affect the likelihood of a young child sleeping under a net. The findings demonstrate that focused social marketing campaigns, targeted outreach programs to particular subgroups, and education for men are vital components of programs aimed at maximizing net ownership and use for young children. As the 2010 Roll Back Malaria goal approaches, implementing policies that will effectively target populations and increase the use of malaria prevention methods is essential. This thesis is intended to provide additional insight in order to achieve these 2010 goals. |