Determination of entomological parameters and human behavior at risk of malaria transmission in the Livulu Health area, Republic Democratic of Congo

Abstract

Context and Objective. Despite the multiple campaigns of distribution of mosquito nets by the Global Fund, the resistance of anopheles to insecticides and questionable human behavior on the use of Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) prevent the optimization of these mosquito nets. The objective of the present study was to identify the entomological parameters and the human behavior at risk of malaria transmission in Livulu, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the health area of ​​Livulu from July 15 to October 15, 2023. Entomological surveys were carried out. Mosquitoes were collected using the Human Landing Catches (HLC) and the Pyrethroid Spray Catches (PSC) methods. Morphological identification was made according to the Gilles and De Meillon protocol. Observations of the behavior of household members were carried out at the same time as mosquito capture by the HLC method from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Aggressiveness was calculated according to the Mac Donald formula and human behavior at risk of malaria transmission was described. Results. Anopheles gambiae was identified in 100% cases of captures. The average aggressiveness was 14.05p/h/n, the external aggressiveness was 16p/h/n and the internal aggressiveness was 12.1p/h/n. Nearly 44.5% of residents stayed up late talking outside the houses from 7pm to 11pm and 30% slept between 1am and 6am outside. Near 83.7% of residents sleeping in the living room from 11pm to 6 am did’nt use mosquito nets whereas 53.7% of residents sleeping in the bedrooms from 8 pm to 6 am did so without mosquito nets. Conclusion. Human behavior in households can have an impact on exposure to malaria vectors.

Received: December 7^th, 2023

Accepted: January 11^th, 2025

https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v18i2.9