USE OF INSECTICIDE-TREATED NETS AMONG PIG OWNERS LIVING IN JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS ENDEMIC AREAS OF NORTHERN MYANMAR

Abstract

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable encephalitis in Asia
and the Western Pacific region. This study was carried out to explore the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to
prevent JE among pig owners in the high endemic area of Kachin State, Myanmar. A total of 420 pig owners were
interviewed by trained research assistants between March and May 2016. The majority of the respondents were
farmers with low family income, living in poor housing conditions. Pig-raising by respondents was mainly
categorized as closed-type (75%), those pigs were kept in sties close to the house at night. Analysis indicated that
less than a quarter (21%) of family members slept under insecticide-treated nets at night. Households with five or
fewer members, owning more than two ITNs were more likely to use them at night (AOR: 3.71; 95% CI: 2.07–
6.62) (AOR: 5.47; 95% CI: 3.20–9.33). This study highlighted the capability to provide ITNs for all family
members as a critical issue to prevent the JE virus. Initiation of strategies to expand interdisciplinary collaborations
and communication in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment should take place.
Availability of vaccines must be reconsidered as they are important in prevention and control of JE.