Factors influencing consistent use of bed nets for the control of malaria among children under five years in Soroti District, North Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Background: The use of insecticide treated bed nets has been proven to be effective in reducing malaria transmission in highly endemic areas. Use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs) has been embraced by many malaria endemic countries. The LLINs are up to 95% effective in inhibiting blood feeding when used consistently even after seven years. The challenge however is enhancing their consistent use, especially by the most vulnerable groups (children under five years and pregnant women). The study established factors associated with consistent use of bed nets for malaria control among children under five years in Soroti district.Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design, with multi-stage sampling of households. A total of 400 Households (HH) were sampled and the HH head in each household interviewed. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with 7 key informants who were knowledgeable on the subject matter. Data analysis was done using SPSS 17.0 at Univariate, Bivariate and Multivariable levels; after entry and cleaning. Key informants’ data were summarized manually; verbatim quotes and text used to reinforce quantitative data in line with objectives.Results: Only 56.8% of the 690 children under five years used bed nets consistently. The factors affecting consistent bed net use were age of the child, their use of bed nets the previous night, occupation of caretaker, respondents’ perceived susceptibilty, perceived risk of getting malaria, size and shape of the bed nets. Rectangular nets were difficult to hang daily in huts according to most key informants. Conclusion: Consistent bed net use among under fives is still below the RBM target of 85% by 2015 and can be enhanced by providing conical bed nets and setting aside a health education program to emphasize the effectiveness of even one mosquito in spreading malaria at night to the entire household and ability of bed nets to stop transmission better than other methods.

Bagasse dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in the Metehara and Wonji sugar factories in Ethiopia: a longitudinal study design

“…When proper training in the use of respiratory protection devices was not received, it could increase the odds of sustaining chronic respiratory symptoms, according to the current study (p=0.001). Our results confirmed previously published works, which mentioned that not having sufficient training on personal protective equipment increases the risk of experiencing respiratory symptoms 76 77. One likely interpretation is that workers who are less knowledgeable about how to use and care for respiratory protection devices, have a higher odds of getting chronic respiratory ailments than their counterparts.…”

“…Our results confirmed previously published works, which mentioned that not having sufficient training on personal protective equipment increases the risk of experiencing respiratory symptoms. 76 77 One likely interpretation is that workers who are less knowledgeable about how to use and care for respiratory protection devices, have a higher odds of getting chronic respiratory ailments than their counterparts. Previous studies supported our findings which stated that the odds of developing respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with not wearing respiratory protection masks.…”