Wealth, mother's education and physical access as determinants of retail sector net use in rural Kenya

Abstract

Abstract Background Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN) provide real hope for the reduction of the malaria burden across Africa. Understanding factors that determine access to ITN is crucial to debates surrounding the optimal delivery systems. The influence of homestead wealth on use of nets purchased from the retail sector is well documented, however, the competing influence of mother's education and physical access to net providers is less well understood. Methods Between December 2004 and January 2005, a random sample of 72 rural communities was selected across four Kenyan districts. Demographic, assets, education and net use data were collected at homestead, mother and child (aged Results Homestead heads and guardians of 3,755 children Conclusion Approaches to promoting access to nets through the retail sector disadvantage poor and remote communities where mothers are less well educated.