Associated Factors for the Prevalence of Bedbug Infestation (Cimex hemipterus) among Households in Nakuru Town, Kenya

Background: Infestations and the resurgence of bedbugs have recently been documented as serious health issues worldwide. Kenya reported 4000 bedbug-infested homes in 2018, so the increase in infestations is comparable to that of other African countries and the global average.

Objective: the objective of the study was to determine bedbug prevalence and factors associated with bedbug infestation among heads of households in Nakuru County, Kenya.

Method: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive study design. Cluster sampling and proportionate sampling were used to recruit the study respondents in this study. The Cochran formula was used to recruit 422 study respondents. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of bedbug infestation was 53.1%. The presence of households with bedbugs was associated with the prevalence of bedbugs in the study households (p value<0.001). The purchase of second-hand furniture and clothes was associated with bedbug prevalence (p value=0.002 and 0.007 respectively). The number of rooms in households was associated with the prevalence of bedbugs (p value=0.008). The number of people living in households (p value=0.021) and the type of house were associated with the prevalence of bedbugs (p value<0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of bedbug infestation was 53.1%. The type of house, number of people in a household, number of rooms in the household, and social factors including the existence of neighbors, relatives, friends, and job mates with bedbugs in their homes, heightened the chances of spreading the bedbugs to others. The purchase of second-hand furniture and clothes increased the prevalence of bedbugs.