Grantee Research Project Results
Anthropogenic and Natural Environmental Characteristics Associated With Anopheles Density in Western Kenya
EPA Grant Number: U915036Title: Anthropogenic and Natural Environmental Characteristics Associated With Anopheles Density in Western Kenya
Investigators: MacDonald, Pia D.M.
Institution: University of Michigan
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: January 1, 1996 through January 1, 2000
Project Amount: $68,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1996) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , Fellowship - Ecology
Objective:
The objectives of this research project are to: (1) determine the anthropogenic and natural environmental characteristics that are associated with the density of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus among houses in a 70-km2 study area, located along the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya; and (2) use this information to develop and test a model predicting high and low Anopheles house density in a neighboring geographic area.
Approach:
Entomologic, socioeconomic, and demographic data were collected during a longitudinal study conducted in 1994-1996 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kenya Medical Research Institute. This work uses these data as well as remotely sensed and ground-based observations. Geographic information systems (GIS) are being used to analyze the spatial distribution of mosquitoes in the study area. Both large-scale (leaf-area index, altitude, house-density and distance to nearest neighbor, river, shore, and road) and small-scale (number of occupants, type of roof, window, floor, wall, and door) factors about the environment are being considered in the analysis. Traditional linear regression and spatial statistical methods are being used to assess the association between density of Anopheles and anthropogenic and natural environmental characteristics.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, Kenya, anthropogenic and natural environmental characteristics, Lake Victoria, Geographic Information Systems, GIS, mosquitoes.Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.