How Can Behavioral Science Improve Bed Net Use?

Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute

Bed nets are a staple tool in malaria control - but how do we make sure people actually use them? We discuss behavioral science, and the Malaria Behavior Survey from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs.

Transcript

Bed nets are a staple tool in malaria control. They’re reliable, effective, affordable and reusable. But how do we make sure people actually use them: sleep under one every night and store them properly when not in use? This is where behavioral science comes in – in particular the ‘Malaria Behaviour Survey’ from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communications Programs. It uses survey data to build an online dashboard that spells out the social, emotional and cognitive indicators that predict bed net use across sub-Saharan Africa. Whilst most surveys only measure individual behaviors related to malaria control, the ‘Malaria Behaviour Survey’ examines how what goes on in somebody’s head, heart and social network influences these behaviors. This wider context of individual decision-making helps malaria control programs tailor their messaging to more adequately meet the needs of their communities, and promote proper bed net use.

Source

Malaria Behavior Survey from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

About The Podcast

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute podcast is produced by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute to highlight impactful malaria research and to share it with the global community.