Commitment Mechanisms and Compliance with Health-protecting Behavior: Preliminary Evidence from Irissa (India)

Transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria is one of the heaviest global health burdens, an incidence of 300-660 million cases every year. According to recent estimates, one third of the human population lives in areas exposed to the most severe form of malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Numerous studies have shown that insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) are one of the most effective means of reducing malaria related morbidity and mortality (C Lengeler 2004). However, ITN adoption in most malaria areas remains very low and public health interventions frequently have insufficient resources to provide complete ITN coverage for all individuals at risk. Researchers have argued that policies can help poor households to overcome time-inconsistency in their preferences. In this paper, we present results carried out in districts of Orissa, an eastern Indian state, where endemic malaria is one of the most serious public health concerns. Attention is paid to the possibility of using consumer loan contracts to increase ITN ownership and retreatment rates.