To coil or not to coil: application practices, perception and efficacy of mosquito coils in a malaria-endemic community in Ghana

Silas W. Avicor, Mustafa F.F. Wajidi, Ebenezer O. Owusu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Although evidence of mosquito coils’ impact on disease epidemiology is limited, they are popularized as mosquito-borne disease prevention devices. Their usage affects the environment, human and mosquito health. This study investigated the perception, usage pattern and efficacy of coils in a predominantly poor malaria-endemic Ghanaian peri-urban area. Information on protection methods, perception and usage pattern was garnered using questionnaires. The efficacy of commonly used coils in the area was then assessed on the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, in a glass chamber. Sole or co-application of mosquito control methods and risky usage practices were reported. Coils were deemed harmful to humans and mosquitoes, and their perceived effectiveness varied, with several factors influencing their purchase. High d-allethrin concentration coils induced quicker mosquito knockdown; however, mortality was less than 85%. The coil usage pattern compromises users’ health and can enhance mosquito tolerance to d-allethrin. The coils were ineffective against the vector, outlining a dichotomy between the users’ perception of efficacy and the observed efficacy. Hence, the usage of other safer and more effective vector control methods should be encouraged to protect households.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21138-21145
Number of pages8
JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
Volume24
Issue number26
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sep 2017

Keywords

  • Coils
  • Efficacy
  • Mosquito
  • Perception
  • Usage pattern
  • d-Allethrin

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