Caregivers’ knowledge and utilization of long-lasting insecticidal nets among under-five children in Osun State, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundUtilization of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) has been associated with reduction of malaria incidence, especially among children. The 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed Osun State had the least proportion (5.7%) of under-five children (U5) who slept under LLIN the night before the survey. A study was conducted to assess caregivers’ knowledge about LLIN, utilization of LLIN and factors influencing LLIN use among U5 in Osun State, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 1020 mothers/caregivers of U5 selected from six communities in Osun State using a multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, mothers’ knowledge about LLIN, ownership and utilization of LLIN and factors influencing use of LLIN in U5. Questions on knowledge about LLIN were scored and categorized into good (scored ≥ 5) and poor (score < 5) knowledge out of a maximum obtainable score of seven. Utilization of LLIN was defined as the proportion of U5 who slept under net the night before the survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi square test and logistic regression at α < 0.05. Transcripts from focus group discussions (FGD) were analysed for emerging themes related to caregivers’ perspectives on utilization and factors affecting use of LLIN among U5.ResultsMajority of the respondents 588 (58.3%) fall between age 25–34 years, with a mean age of 30.0 ± 6.3 years. All were aware of LLIN but only 76.1% had good knowledge and 59.0% reported use of LLIN among their U5. Reported barriers to utilizing LLIN were; heat (96.4%), reactions to the chemical (75.5%) and unpleasant odour (41.3%). These were corroborated at FGD. Those with formal education [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–2.1] and those with good knowledge of LLIN (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.4–2.5) were more likely to use LLIN than their counterparts without formal education and those with poor knowledge of LLIN respectively.ConclusionsThe level of knowledge of respondents about LLIN was high and the utilization of LLIN among U5 was above average, however, it is still far below the 80% target. Efforts should be made to further improve utilization of LLIN through intensified promotion and health education.

Long lasting insecticide bed net utilization and associated factors among pregnant mothers in Fogera district, North West Ethiopia, 2018.

“…This might be due to lack of follow up by the health authority to the households of pregnant mothers after mass community health education regarding proper and safe utilization of LLIN. This study finding was also consistent with the study conducted in Nigeria (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.4-2.5) [24] and Mirab Abaya district, southern Ethiopia (AOR = 2.51 (1.17, 5.37) [25].…”

The Challenges of Using Insecticides Treated Nets (ITNs) in Curbing Malaria in Nigeria: A 2000-2018 Systematic Review

“…Out of the seventeen included articles, fifteen were cross sectional studies [2][3][4][5]11,12,14,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23], one study [13] was a randomised controlled trial and one prospective study [24] was also included.…”

“…However, there is an increase in malaria incidence and mortality in Nigeria irrespective of the wide distribution of ITNs [5]. Despite a wide range of studies on ownership of ITNs in Nigeria, there is limited evidence on barriers and difficulties with the use of ITNs.…”

“…This is evidenced by data from the WHO which showed that Nigeria had the highest number of cases and deaths (19%) from Malaria in 2017 [1]. Several studies have shown the burden of Malaria in Nigeria [3][4][5]. Malaria transmission to humans occurs when an infected female anopheles mosquito bites an uninfected person.…”

Correlation Analysis of Malaria Cases and Meteorological Factors in Lagos State, Nigeria

“…As the World Health Organization (WHO) framework for malaria elimination stresses, most countries have diverse transmission intensity (31). Factors such as ecology, immunity, vector behavior, social factors, and health system characteristics influence both the diversity of transmission and the effectiveness of tools, intervention packages, and strategies in each locality (32,33). The WHO Framework goes further to encourage strategic planning and interventions appropriate for the diverse settings or strata within a country(2).…”