Determinants of use of insecticide-treated nets among caregivers of under-five children in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Adaobi I Bisi-Onyemaechi, Christopher N Obionu, Ugo N Chikani, Ikechukwu F Ogbonna, Adaeze C Ayuk

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2017 10(4):1037-1042

Background: Malaria accounts for 90% of the 1.5–3 million deaths occurring annually in Africa. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have proven to be highly effective in preventing malaria. It can reduce malaria transmission by up to 90% and avert up to 44% of all-cause malaria in children <5 years. Aim: The aim of the study determined to explore the reasons why the available insecticide-treated nets were not put to use. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 389 caregivers of under-five children in the three local government areas of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. Study participants were recruited through a multistage stratified sampling process. Results: The results showed that net ownership rate was 85.6%. Mean possession rate of ITN was 4.8 nets per household. About 93.8% had heard about ITN, while 91.8% of the participants knew that it was used to prevent mosquito bites. Only 53.9% used their ITN. Educational status of the caregiver was the most consistent factor affecting ITN use (P = 0.001).

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