Nepal (2013): TRaC evaluating LLIN use among general population and children under 5 years of age in 13 high-risk districts, Malaria TRaC. Round 3.

Malaria is a major public health problem in Nepal, affecting the wellbeing and livelihoods of low-income individuals. The Government of Nepal spearheaded a comprehensive effort to eradicate malaria with the support of USAID and WHO. Since 2006, PSI/Nepal has been implementing a malaria program targeting households in areas of 13 malaria high-risk districts, and the program was extended to an additional 18 malaria moderate-risk districts in 2011/12. The PSI/Nepal intervention focused on malaria prevention measures, namely the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLIN) and BCC activities to promote use of LLINs including school-based education, mass media, and household level interpersonal communication (IPCS). PSI/Nepal conducted first round of malaria TRaC among mothers/care-givers of children under 5 years of age and women of reproductive age in July-August 2009, followed by a second round study in July-August 2010. The purpose of the TRaC surveys is to provide actionable evidence for program decision making as well as to help measure the effectiveness of various project interventions and activities. The purpose of this study is to monitor LLIN use behavior and behavioral factors of mothers/care givers of children under five or MWRA in the malaria risk areas. This third round survey also serves as an endline survey in the 13 high-risk areas, and aims to assess change in knowledge of malaria and exposure to malaria BCC in program areas. The survey utilizes a multi-stage cluster sampling approach, and a total of 5241 households in the target areas were contacted for interviews. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, based on the Round II survey. The survey serves as a tool to inform the program by routinely collecting data from cross sections of target populations in the malaria risk areas.