Socioeconomic Factors and Cultural Practices Influencing the Resurgence of Bedbugs (Cimex hemipterus): A Case of Nakuru Town, Kenya

Abstract

Bedbugs are parasitic insects that feed mostly on blood (human). Cimex hemipterus commonly known as the Tropical bedbug resurge in warmer climates like Africa, Asia and America. Over the years bedbug infestation has remained a major public health concern among the residents of Nakuru Town Kenya. The purpose of this study was to determine socioeconomic factors and cultural practices that influence the resurgence of bedbugs in Nakuru Town, Kenya. This study adopted analytic epidemiological study design and used cross sectional descriptive survey for data collection. It was conducted in seven estates in Nakuru Town, Kenya with an estimated population of 32,856 in a period of seven months. Cluster sampling was used to sample the households in the estates with the study surveillance being done in four hundred and twenty two (422) households whereas 57% and 43% of the participants were male and female respectively. The main source of income among the respondents was self-employment with only 27% of the participants being employed. According to the findings of this study 31% of the residents were earning between 5000 and 10000 with only 4% of their monthly income been allocated to healthcare. The current socioeconomic status among the residents of Nakuru Town is inhibiting the fight against bedbug elimination. Cultural beliefs like witchcraft are limiting the eradication of bedbugs and leads to the resurgence in some of the households. In conclusion, the current socioeconomic status among the residents of Nakuru Town is inhibiting the fight against bedbug elimination. The findings of this study will be used to inform the policy makers in the Nakuru County government on measures to be taken to improve the socioeconomic status of its residents so that in the future residents are empowered to eradicate the bedbugs.