Examining the incentives and disincentives in the maintenance of Insecticide‐Treated Nets among householders in Ghana

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the factors that affect the incentive to care for Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) among householders in the Shai-Osudoku District of Ghana. Methods: The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Four in-depth interviews (IDIs) and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to gather the data from 38 participants. A thematic technique was used to analyse the data. Findings: Householders were aware of the importance and use of ITNs. The factors underlying the motivation of householders to care for ITNs included their need to stay healthy; inadequate funds to acquire new ITNs and pay for healthcare cost; and their knowledge of the use and efficacy of ITNs. It was also found that obtaining the nets at no cost; limited time available to mend the ITNs; and limited knowledge on how to mend the ITNs disincentivised householders from effectively caring for the nets.Conclusions: There is a need to rethink current ITN intervention programmes in ways that will improve the contents of public education messages and strengthen monitoring frameworks to ensure that householders take optimum care of their nets.