Browsing by Author "Ngure, Peter"
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Item A Storytelling Program for Women Living with HIV in an Informal Settlement in Kenya: Addressing Psychological Trauma, Depression and Stigma(Archives of Palliative Care and Medicine, 2018-09-24) Njuguna, Susan; Tuikong, Sylvia; Ngure, PeterAwareness of HIV and AIDS in Kenya is high but stigma is still experienced among women living with HIV. The supportive environment in support groups is correlated with reducing apprehension and depression among people living with HIV although psychological issues are not adequately addressed. A randomized control study with the intervention of narrative approach was carried out for Women living with HIV. Eligibility included a score of above 21 on the Impact of Event (IES- R) Scale, severe depression (CES-D) and scored high on the Internal Stigma Scale (HIV ISS). A structured group therapy session using narrative approach was conducted weekly for twelve (12) weeks for five groups of ten (10) members each. The finding was a reduction in the impact of event for all intervention groups on the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). On the depressive scale, all members in the intervention groups moved from severe depression to moderate 37(75%) and mild 13(25%). The stigma scale indicated that 30(60 %) of the participants improved to moderate and mild while 20(40%) remained with severe stigma. Group therapy should be structured and adopt the narrative approach for women living with HIV. This will complement measures to reduce trauma from the impact of event, depression and internal stigma.Item A Descriptive Survey on Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Beliefs on Kalaazar among the Residents of Marigat Sub-county, Baringo County, Kenya(International Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2016) Kiarie, Martha; Nzau, Anastasia; Ngumbi, Philip; Waithima, Abraham K.; Bowen, Michael; Nzunza, Rosemary; Ingonga, Johnstone; Ngure, PeterObjective: To establish the level of knowledge, attitude, practices and beliefs related to kala azar among residents of Marigat sub - County, Baringo County. Methods: The sub-County is divided into 37 sub-locations and of these 8 herein referred to as villages were considered for this study. A total of 670 households were randomly drawn from the 8 villages, and this formed the sample population. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews of key informants. Results: The findings indicated that the respondents were well informed on kala azar; the cause and treatment. They also had favorable attitude toward the disease. They were aware that the disease was curable and sought treatment from health facilities as opposed to traditional alternatives. In seeking treatment, the residents were faced with challenges such as the long distance to health facilities, long period of treatment and the attendant cost of caring for a leishmaniasis patient. The respondents were aware that the disease was spread by an insect; however, they were not aware of preventive measures. Most live in destitute houses which predisposed them to the infective bite of the vector. Most of the respondents are not employed and the cost of treatment, in addition to attendant costs places a heavy economic burden on them. Conclusion: The results showed good awareness of leishmaniasis, positive attitude and practices among the respondents which are important attributes in community participation. These findings are quite encouraging to researchers planning control programs because such a community would be more receptive to suggested control measures.Item Effect of Leaf Crude Extracts of Tarchonanthus Camphoratus (Asteraceae), Acalypha Fruticosa (Fabacea) and Tagetes Minuta (Asteraceae) on Fecundity of Phlebotomus Duboscqi(American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2012-08) Mong’are, samuel; Ng’ang’a, Zipporah; Maranga, Rosebella; Osiemo, Zipporah; Ngure, Peter; Ngumbi, Philip; Tonui, WillyPurpose: This study was carried out to find out the effects of Tarchonanthus Camphoratus (Asteraceae), Acalypha fruticosa (Fabacea) and Tagetes minuta (Asteraceae) crude extracts on the fecundity of P. duboscqi. Materials and Methods: The extracts were prepared from the dried aerial parts of T. camphoratus, A. fruticosa, and T. minuta. Ten female sand flies were aspirated into vials where they were fed on a mixture of the plant extracts and sucrose solution prepared in a ratio of 1:1. Results: These crude plant extracts were found to reduce the fecundity of P. duboscqi significantly (P< 0.05). The extracts were found to reduce the fecundity of P. duboscqi by 73% (A. fruticosa), 53% (T. minuta) and 26% (T. camphoratus) (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The higher level of A. fruticosa, T. minuta and T. camphoratus activities would potentially reduce the population of sand flies. This study has provided proof of the effects of these medicinal plants on the vectorial capacity of sand flies.Item Effects of Metarhizium anisopliae on sand fly populations in their natural habitats in Marigat sub- County, Baringo County, Kenya(Health Sciences, 2015-12) Ngure, Peter; Kasili, S; Anjili, CO; Karanja, RM; Kaburi, J; Mwangi, M; Kinuthia, Geoffrey; Kiarie, Martha; Nzau, A; Kepha, S; Maniania, NK; Ndegwa, PN; Irungu, L; Ngumbi, MPLeishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that pose a threat to people in the endemic regions. In Africa, transmission is through the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sand fly. Disease control with chemotherapy is logistically difficult, toxic and expensive. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) hold great potential as alternative agent for the control of sandflies as demonstrated by their efficacy in recent laboratory experiments. The impressive results have merited testing of the effect of EPF on sand fly populations in their natural habitats. The aim of this study was to test the effect of EPF on sand fly populations on a small scale in a leishmania-endemic area in Kenya. Entomopathogenic fungi isolates were cultured on sabourand dextrose agar (SDA) in petri dishes and incubated at 22-280C. Conidia were produced on long white rice substrate and harvested by sifting the substrate through a 295 μm mesh size sieve and stored at 4-6 0C before being used in the experiments. Metarhizium anisopliae isolates were selected for use in the field after showing 76.8 and 100% mortality in laboratory bred target insects. 2.0 x 1014 of dry conidia of the fungus were introduced into ten termite mounds through the shafts using a modified foot pump in Rabai, Marigat area of Baringo County, Kenya. The site harbours both Phlebotomus martini and P. duboscqi leishmaniasis vectors. Sand fly densities, mycoses and survival after capture from the mounds were observed from week one post-treatment to week thirteen. Results indicate that the fungi in termite mounds caused three to ten-fold mortalities in the population of sand flies nine weeks after application. Longevity of sand flies collected from treated termite mounds was reduced to less than nine days after collection, whereas 90% of those from control mounds lived well over the nine days. Sand flies collected from the treated termite mounds during week nine had 100% mortality compared to 10.7% of those from the control mounds. Metarhizium anisopliae infection was observed in 42% of the sand fly cadavers collected from the treated termite mounds and 0% in the control group. From the findings of this study sand flies have shown to be susceptible to Metarhizium anipilae and can be controlled by the same. Further studies to determine the best methods for delivery and application in the diverse ecological settings of various leishmaniasis vectors are recommended.Item Experimental chemotherapy with Allium sativum (Liliaceae) methanolic extract in rodents infected with Leishmania major and Leishmania donovani(Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 2010-09) Wabwoba, Byrum; Ngeiywa, Christopher Anjili; Mwajar, Moses; Ngure, PeterBackground & objectives: Several plant products have been tested and found to possess antileishmanial activity. The present study was undertaken to establish whether methanolic extract of Allium sativum Linn has antileishmanial activity in comparison to standard drugs. Methods: Methanolic extract of A. sativum bulbs was screened for in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major strain (NLB 145) and L. donovani strain (NLB 065). Pentostam® and Amphotericin B® were used as standard drugs. BALB/c mice and golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were used in in vivo studies on L. major and L. donovani respectively. Results: The extract exhibited very low cytotoxicity (IC50 >450 μg/ml) against Vero cells. The extract had significantly better (p <0.001) leishmanicidal activity against both species (IC50 34.22 μg/ml to L. major, 37.41 μg/ml to L. donovani) than Pentostam. However, the activity was significantly lower (p <0.001) than that of Amphotericin B against both the species. At a concentration of 250 μg/ml, the extract induced the production of 60 μM of nitric oxide, a ten-fold up-regulation in activated macrophages. The multiplication indices for L. major amastigotes treated in 100 μg/ml were significantly different (p <0.05). Treatment with the extract, daily for 28 days led to a significant reduction (p <0.05) in footpad swelling in BALB/c mice; similar activity noticed in the treatment with standard drugs. The Leishman-Donovan Units (LDU) for the extract treated animals were significantly higher (p <0.05) than those of standard drugs, but lower compared to the negative control. Interpretation & conclusion: Since the mechanism of action for the methanolic extract is apparently immunomodulatory, garlic compounds could be purified and tried as complementary medicine in the management of leishmaniases.Item Factors Influencing the Utilization of Voluntary Counselling and Testing Services among University Students in Kenya(Global Journal of Health Science, 2014) Mwangi, Rose; Ngure, Peter; Thiga, Moses; Ngure, JaneVoluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is recognized as a critical component of effective HIV prevention initiative and has therefore been promoted nationally and within universities in Kenya. Upon successful counselling and testing those found to be HIV negative are informed to take the necessary measures to protect themselves while the infected are advised to start the required medication. This study examined the attitudes toward VCT services among university students in four Kenyan universities. 980 students filled self administered questionnaires. Results showed that 38.5% of the subjects had tested for HIV in the last 12 months and students (55.8%) felt less susceptible to HIV infection. Findings from a factor analysis revealed that the intention to seek the services was associated with five attitude subscales that were ranked as follows (i) people’s and personal concerns, (ii) friends concerns, (iii) value of testing, (iv) confidentiality and support, and (v) perceived susceptibility. The first three items are associated with stigma which was evidenced in the subjects’ report that admitting that one should test for HIV would imply that one has engaged in immoral behaviour. Secondly, subjects felt that their friends would look down on them if they tested for HIV. Knowing the students’ attitudes will therefore assist in the development of appropriate VCT interventions that will promote HIV testing and behaviour change.Item From Mud and Stick-Walled Houses to Corrugated Iron Sheet Houses: A New Strategy for Preventing Human-Vector Contact in Marigat Sub-County; a Leishmaniasis-Endemic Area in Kenya(Annals of Clinical Cytology and Pathology, 2017) Ngure, Peter; Nzau, Anastasia; Kiarie, Martha; Waithima, Abraham K.; Bowen, Michael; Ingonga, Johnstone; Ngumbi, PhilipObjective: The objective of this study was to assess if improved housing would result in reduced sand fly-human contact which in turn would be assumed to result in reduced chances of leishmaniasis transmission. The transmission of leishmaniasis is heavily influenced by socio-economic factors and this is the main reason why it has been described as the disease of the poor. Methods: This studied compared the sand fly densities in targeted houses before and after improvement. The houses to be improved were selected based on indoor sand fly density, construction materials and economic status of the household. These houses were upgraded to two-roomed corrugated iron sheet houses. Sand fly densities were determined using CDC light traps in the mud and stick-walled grass-thatched houses before moving the occupants to houses made of corrugated iron sheets. 146 houses were used, selected from 670 in the 4 villages. Findings: There were significant differences (p< 0.05) in sand fly densities between the mud, stick-walled houses and the corrugated iron sheet houses; the improved houses had fewer sand flies. The average density of sand flies in stick-walled houses ranged from 32 to 13 compared to 4 to 1 in corrugated iron sheet houses. Conclusion: The improved housing reduces the density of sand flies indoors; in turn reducing the vector–human contact hence reducing the chances of infective bites. This strategy is long lasting and has additional benefits to residents.Item Heavy Sexual Content Versus Safer Sex Content: A Content Analysis of the Entertainment Education Drama Shuga(Health Communication, 2016-04-07) Achieng’ Booker, Nancy; Neville Miller, Ann; Ngure, PeterExtremely popular with Kenyan youth, the entertainment-education drama Shuga was designed with specific goals of promoting condom use, single versus multiple sexual partners, and destigmatization of HIV. Almost as soon as it aired, however, it generated controversy due to its extensive sexual themes and relatively explicit portrayal of sexual issues. To determine how safer sex, antistigma messages, and overall sexual content were integrated into Shuga, we conducted a content analysis. Results indicated that condom use and HIV destigmatization messages were frequently and clearly communicated. Negative consequences for risky sexual behavior were communicated over the course of the entire series. Messages about multiple concurrent partnerships were not evident. In addition, in terms of scenes per hour of programming, Shuga had 10.3 times the amount of sexual content overall, 8.2 times the amount of sexual talk, 17.8 times the amount of sexual behavior, and 9.4 times the amount of sexual intercourse as found in previous analysis of U.S. entertainment programming. Research is needed to determine how these factors may interact to influence adolescent viewers of entertainment education dramas.Item Immunostimulatory responses to crude extracts of Warburgia ugandensis (sprague) subsp ugandensis (canellaceae) by Balb/c mice infected with Leishmania major(Pan African Medical Journal., 2014-01-18) Ngure, Peter; Ng’ang’a, Zipporah; Kimutai, Albert; Kepha, Stella; Mong’are, Samuel; Ingonga, Johnnie; Tonui, WillyIntroduction: To determine the immunostimulatory potential of crude extracts of Warburgia ugandensis subsp. ugandensis with a soluble leishmanial antigen in vaccinating BALB/c mice. Methods: Seventy two female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into six groups. The mice were vaccinated with soluble leishmania antigens (SLA) alone, hexane, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane extract co-administered with SLA. Unvaccinated mice formed the control group. The induction of cell-mediated immunity following vaccination was determined by measuring in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and the production of interleukin (IL)-4 and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) determined by flow cytometry. Protection against L. major was determined by quantifying parasite burdens in L. major infected footpads using a limiting dilution assay and by measuring lesion sizes of the infected footpad compared to the contralateral uninfected footpad. Results: On vaccination with extracts of W. ugandensis subsp. ugandensis alone or as adjuvants when used in combination with Leishmania antigens, the hexane extract and the dichloromethane extract plus SLA stimulated moderate production of IFN-γ and low levels of IL-4.These mice were partially protected from cutaneous leishmaniasis as shown by the slow development of lesions and comparatively less parasite burdens. Conclusion: These data suggest that extracts of W. ugandensis subsp. ugandensis are suitable adjuvants for Leishmania vaccines. However, since W. ugandensis subsp. ugandensis has been shown to be effective against Leishmania parasites in vitro and in vivo, further studies ought to be conducted to determine its immunochemotherapeutic potential when co-administered with a soluble leishmanial antigen in vaccinating BALB/c mice.Item Lifestyles and Practices that Enhance Malaria and Typhoid Fever in Njoro District, Kenya(Community Health, 2011-07) Kinuthia, Geoffrey; Gicheru, Michael Muita; Ngure, Peter; Kabiru, Ephantus W.Abstract Unhygienic practices have been associated with the spread of parasitic and bacterial infections in rural areas. This study was designed to verify the link between the frequencies of malaria and typhoid fever with selected rural practices in Njoro District, Kenya. A cross-sectional study involving observations, questionnaires and interviews was conducted to determine the socio-economic variables and practices/lifestyles in 336 randomly selected homesteads. Frequencies of malaria and typhoid fever in two randomly selected health centers were determined through a retrospective study for the period from 2004 to 2009. The respondents had large families (68%), low education level (67%) and high responsibility burden (67%). Individuals who did not boil drinking water constituted 61%. Boiling drinking water was less common among the poor, Odds Ratio (OR) of 2.36, v2 = 9.88, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of 1.38–4.03. Respondents who washed their hands in a basin after using the latrines comprised 79.8% while 4.8% did not. 18.5% of the respondents did not use a soap to wash their hands after using the latrine. One third (33.6%) of the homesteads had dirty and inappropriate pit latrines while 2.7% of the homesteads lacked latrines. Failure to use mosquito bed nets was more likely to occur among the poor respondents, OR of 1.44, v2 = 1.74, 95% CI of 0.84–2.48. The frequencies of malaria and typhoid fever were an average of 29 and 24% respectively. Malaria and typhoid fever cases were relatively frequent due to adoption of inappropriate lifestyles and practices that predisposed the residents to infectious agents. Poverty seemed to play a significant role in the spread of malaria and typhoid fever.Item Managing communication surrounding tungiasis stigma in Kenya(Routledge Taylor & Francis, 2015-12-20) Kimotho, Stephen; Miller, Ann Neville; Ngure, PeterTungiasis is a neglected parasitic skin disease widespread in resourcepoor communities in sub-Saharan Africa, South America and the Caribbean. Stigmatisation of tungiasis sufferers has been identified as a key reason why tungiasis frequently progresses untreated in many parts of the world, however little research has investigated the specifics of tungiasis stigma or the communication strategies sufferers use to manage stigmatization. This article reports results of focus group and in-depth interviews regarding strategies used to manage tungiasis stigma from the perspective of persons living with tungiasis in Murang’a County, Kenya. Most frequently mentioned were withdrawal tactics. Participants also engaged in refutation strategies to deny responsibility for their condition. Implications for stigma management communication theory are discussed.Item Mental Health Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Learners in Primary and Secondary Schools in Kenya(Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 2023-04-01) Mbutitia, Francisca; Mburugu, Beatrice; Chepchieng, Micah; Kung’u, Lucy; Ngure, Peter; Raburu, Pamela; Kangethe, Mary; Maina, Grace Ngugi; Avisa, HellenAims: To assess the effect of COVID -19 on mental health of the learners in primary and secondary schools of Kenya. Study Design: The study adopted a cross-sectional research design where 96.5% of the respondents of the study were between the age of 6- 18 years. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Kenya and it involved five counties namely Nairobi, Mombasa, Kajiado, Migori and Elgeyo Marakwet primary, secondary and special schools. The study was conducted between October 2021 and July, 2022. Methodology: In the five selected counties 12 schools were selected in each county where different sub-counties were considered. A 31 item paper questionnaire for learners on mental health was administered to assess levels for anxiety with ten(10) items, depression had eleven(11) items and and post-traumatic stress disorder had ten (10) items. The learners responded to a 3 point Likert scale of; “Not at all”(1) “Sometimes”(2) and “All the Time”(3) The scores were tabulated as follows: Anxiety; Normal 10 – 15, Mild 16 -20, Moderate 21- 25 and Severe 25 and above, Depression; Normal 11 – 18, Mild 19 -26, Moderate 27- 31 Severe 32 and above and finally Scores for PTSD; Normal 9 – 14, Mild 15 -19, Moderate 20- 24, Severe 25 and aboveNormal (1), Mild (2), Moderate (3) and Severe (4) though some items were reverse scored if the statement was negatively phrased. All the learners who scored an average of moderate to severe in this tool were identified as vulnerable and predisposed to risks of mental illness and therefore recommended for mental health interventions. Results: The study established that 25.7% of the learners reported moderate to severe levels of anxiety, 27.9% of the learners reported moderate to severe levels of depression and 44.4% of the learners reported moderate to severe levels of PTSD. Conclusion: The study established that there were heightened level of anxiety was a reality among school learners. There is need to implement efforts that address depressive symptoms before they escalate to unmanageable levels. Learners are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder whose effects will continue to be felt for long period of time unless intervention takes place. Therefore Kenyan schools not only need to prevent but also manage learners exhibiting the mental health symptoms to promote holistic growth with fully functional citizenry.Item Potential Effects Of Pyrethrin Incorporated In Sucrose Baits Against Phlebotomus Duboscqi Neveu Lemaire (diptera: Psychodidae) In Leishmaniasis Control Strategies(Webmedcentral, 2010-11-06) Ireri, Laban; Mucheru, Obadiah; Ngure, Peter; Kepha, Stella; Kimuta, Albert; Cirindi, Josyline; Tonui, WillyBackground: Due to challenges of controlling leishmaniasis in Kenya through the vector, the efficacy of pyrethrin EC (Pymos™ 0.6% W/V) a mosquito adulticide was evaluated against Phlebotomus duboscqi while incorporated in sucrose as a possible complementary method. Methods: Pyrethrin was prepared into concentrations of 0.08, 0.25and 0.5 mg/ml using 10% sucrose. Ten male and female sand flies were each aspirated into jars and fed separately with the prepared solutions using cotton wool pads placed atop experimental jars and mortality monitored each day. The experiments were replicated three times. Results: Significant mortality (P< 0.05) for both sexes was observed. The concentration of 0.08mg/ml gave low adult mortality in 24 hours but amplified with time. In the 0.25 bioassay, mortality of females were 10 (33.3%) and males had 21 (70%) in 24 hours. The LD50 for females and males tied at 0.1 mg/ml in 48 hours of exposure. The concentration of 0.25 mg/ml was ideal at 48 hours of feeding where majority of the sand flies succumbed to the insecticide. There were significant mortality differences (P <0.05) between the concentrations but no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in male and female mortality at 48 hours of exposure however. Although we cannot rule out sand fly mortality due to contact with the test material, the results of this study however suggest that control strategies using low-dose pyrethrin-sugar combinations as baits may be effective against phlebotomine sand flies and other sugar feeding pests of medical importance.Item A Storytelling Program for Women Living with HIV in an Informal Settlement in Kenya: Addressing Psychological Trauma, Depression and Stigma(Archives of Palliative Care and Medicine, 2018) Njuguna, Susan; Tuikong, Sylvia; Ngure, Petersupportive environment in support groups is correlated with reducing apprehension and depression among people living with HIV although psychological issues are not adequately addressed. A randomized control study with the intervention of narrative approach was carried out for Women living with HIV. Eligibility included a score of above 21 on the Impact of Event (IES- R) Scale, severe depression (CES-D) and scored high on the Internal Stigma Scale (HIV ISS). A structured group therapy session using narrative approach was conducted weekly for twelve (12) weeks for five groups of ten (10) members each. The finding was a reduction in the impact of event for all intervention groups on the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). On the depressive scale, all members in the intervention groups moved from severe depression to moderate 37(75%) and mild 13(25%). The stigma scale indicated that 30(60 %) of the participants improved to moderate and mild while 20(40%) remained with severe stigma. Group therapy should be structured and adopt the narrative approach for women living with HIV. This will complement measures to reduce trauma from the impact of event, depression and internal stigma.Item Substance Use, Emerging Substances and Poly Drug Use among Undergraduate Students in Universities in Kenya(African Journal of Alcohol & Drug Abuse, 2021-12-31) Ngure, Jane; Omulema, Briston; Ngure, Peter; Chepchieng, MicahThere is an increase in the use of substances and the peak levels of substance use are seen among young people aged between 18-25. Substance use presents a barrier to learning, it impairs cognitive ability and distorts judgment. There is limited information on the magnitude of substance use and a countrywide study has not been conducted to determine the extent of substance use, emerging substances and poly drug use among undergraduate students in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of substance use, emerging substances and poly drug use among the undergraduates in Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for this study. The target population was 451,081 undergraduate students, where 390,456 were in public and 60,625 in private chartered universities. The sample size was 1,500 participants selected from seven public and five private universities, from ten counties across the country. A World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire - Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to determine the extent of substance use, poly drug use and emerging substances among the undergraduate students. The key substances were alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and shisha among others. The findings revealed prevalence of lifetime substance use of 48.6% and the prevalence of current use of 37.9%. Public universities (M=.48, SD= .50) had higher prevalence of current use than private universities (M=.26, SD= .43) with t (1435) = 8.94, p<.05. Alcohol was the most commonly used substance and shisha was an emerging substance. Poly drug use was reported at 162 (11.3%) among the current users. The prevalence of substance use is high. There is a need for universities to develop and implement interventions for the emerging substances and poly drug use to mitigate the potential risk of developing substance use disorders.Item The potential of the extracts of Tagetes minuta Linnaeus (Asteraceae), Acalypha fruticosa Forssk (Euphorbiaceae) and Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. (Compositae) against Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu Lemaire (Diptera: Psychodidae), the vector for Leishmania major Yakimoff and Schokhor(Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 0201-09) Ireri, Laban N.; Kongoro, Jedida; Ngure, Peter; Mutai, Charles; Langat, Bernard; Tonui, Willy; Kimutai, Albert; Mucheru, ObadiahBackground & objectives: Harmful effects of synthetic chemical insecticides including vector resistance, environmental pollution and health hazards have necessitated the current significance in the search for plant-based insecticide products that are environmentally safe and effective to leishmaniases control. The insecticidal activity of Tagetes minuta Linnaeus (Asteraceae), Acalypha fruticosa Forssk (Euphorbiaceae) and Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. (Compositae) extracts were investigated against Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu Lemaire (Diptera: Psychodidae). Methods: The extracts were prepared from dried aerial parts soaked in methanol and ethyl acetate twice until the filtrates became clear, filtered and dried out by rotary evaporation at 30–35oC. The solid extracts obtained were later prepared into 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/ml. Two millilitres of the solutions were blotted on filter papers, which were dried overnight and placed into jars where adult sandflies were aspirated. Males and females were assayed separately. Results & conclusion: The extracts had significant mortality (p<0.05) in both males and females bioassays but were not significantly different between sexes. The extracts of Acalypha fruticosa and Tagetes minuta had significantly higher mortality rates than those of Tarchonanthus camphoratus and the different concentrations used showed significantly different mortality rates and 10 mg/ml was the most effective concentration. Cent percent mortality was obtained at 96 h of exposure to 5 and 10 mg/ml concentrations except for Tarchonanthus camphoratus which had a mortality of only 46.7% in 10 mg/ml bioassay. These extracts were found to be insecticidal to adult sandflies.