Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 11

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 11.1 (tests Learning Outcome 11.1)

Sleeping under an insecticide treated net (ITN) protects people from getting malaria. Which of the following statements about ITNs is false? In each case, explain what is incorrect.

A  ITNs protect people from malaria by killing the malaria parasites.

B  ITNs do not kill mosquitoes that come in contact with the nets.

C  ITNs can repel mosquitoes from coming closer to people sleeping under nets.

D  ITNs have chemicals in (or coated onto) their fibres, which can kill mosquitoes.

E  The chemical on ITNs kills only mosquitoes.

F  The chemicals coated on ITNs are harmful to humans.

Answer

A is false. ITNs protect people by killing or repelling the mosquitoes (not the parasites).

B is false. ITNs do kill mosquitoes that come in contact with the nets.

C is true. ITNs can repel mosquitoes from coming closer to people sleeping under nets.

D is true. ITNs are impregnated with chemicals that kill mosquitoes.

E is false. ITNs also kill other household pests like bedbugs that come in contact with the nets.

D is false. The chemicals used to treat nets are harmless to humans and animals.

SAQ 11.2 (tests Learning Outcome 11.2)

Describe the difference between non-treated and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs).

Answer

Non-treated nets have no chemicals, so they cannot kill mosquitoes and other insects. Treated nets do have insecticides coated or incorporated into them. Untreated nets only act as physical barriers against mosquito bites, while ITNs can also kill or repel mosquitoes.

SAQ 11.3 (tests Learning Outcome 11.2)

What is the difference between regularly/conventionally treated nets and long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)?

Answer

Conventionally treated nets have to be dipped in chemicals every six months or after three washes; LLINs have chemicals in them that remain effective for the life of the nets (three to four years).

SAQ 11.4 (tests Learning Outcome 11.3)

Different methods are used to distribute nets to communities. State two important mechanisms of mass net distribution, in each case with their advantages and disadvantages.

Answer

  • House-to-house visits: The advantage is that these visits ensure that nets are given to the right people and effective face-to-face education on net use is provided. However, it can take a lot of time to distribute nets to all households in this way.
  • Inviting people to come to the health facility or other central location in the village: this is a good method to distribute a lot of nets rapidly. However, education about using the nets may not be effective as it is given to everyone and some individuals may not understand or accept the messages.

SAQ 11.5 (tests Learning Outcome 11.3)

What methods can you use to keep coverage of nets high in your community, after they have been distributed by mass (catch-up) methods?

Answer

  • Giving nets to pregnant mothers during antenatal care visits
  • Giving nets to children during immunization visits
  • Giving nets to newcomers to the village
  • Giving nets to replace old or torn nets.

SAQ 11.6 (tests Learning Outcome 11.4)

One of the most important challenges in ITN programmes is a low rate of net utilisation. State at least two behaviours of people that are not considered to be proper use of nets.

Answer

At least two of the following:

  • Not sleeping under nets.
  • Using nets for fishing or other purposes.
  • Selling them.
  • Not hanging nets properly.
  • Not using nets for sleeping outdoors.

SAQ 11.7 (tests Learning Outcome 11.4)

High net coverage is expected to protect people from malaria and reduce the incidence of new cases. Imagine that, in spite of high net coverage in your village, many people are getting infected with malaria and coming to your health post for treatment. What could be the possible explanation for this problem?

Answer

  • A large number of people are not sleeping under their nets.
  • Many people are sleeping under nets, but too late in the night, after mosquitoes have already begun to feed on humans.
  • Many of the nets are old and damaged.

Summary of Study Session 11