The use of islands and cluster-randomized trials to investigate vector control interventions: a case study on the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

Island settings offer unique advantages for testing vector control interventions, with the Bijagós archipelago in Guinea-Bissau emerging as a promising site. This study highlights how cluster-randomized trials can effectively evaluate new strategies to combat vector-borne diseases by leveraging natural island boundaries to minimize contamination and ensure robust statistical power. The research emphasizes the importance of carefully considering cluster size, separation, and human/vector movement to maintain trial integrity. By showcasing the Bijagós archipelago as a case study, the work provides valuable insights into designing future intervention studies in similar environments.

Jones, R. T., Pretorius, E., Ant, T. H., Bradley, J., Last, A., & Logan, J. G. (2020). The use of islands and cluster-randomized trials to investigate vector control interventions: a case study on the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 376(1818), 20190807. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0807