Factors influencing consistent use of bed nets for the control of malaria among children under 5 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 insecticidal nets (LLINs) has been embraced by many malaria endemic countries. LLINs are up to 95% effective in inhibiting blood feeding, when used consistently even after 7 years. The challenge, however, is enhancing their consistent use, especially by the most vulnerable groups (children under 5 years and pregnant women). The study established factors associated with consistent use of bed nets for malaria control among children under 5 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 5 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 susceptibility, 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 programme 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.

Challenges of proper disposal of old long-lasting insecticidal nets and its alternative uses in rural south-eastern Tanzania

“…This study further revealed that bed net physical conditions, such as being torn with many holes or worn out, and the availability of a new bed net were the most important factors influencing bed net replacement. These findings are in line with findings from Akello et al ., in Uganda [ 40 ] one of the reasons for replacing the old bed net was the presence of the new bed net.…”

Predictors of insecticide-treated bed nets use among pregnant women in Sierra Leone: evidence from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey

“…Certain cultural practices might prioritize traditional medicine or rituals over modern medical interventions like ITNs. Concerns about heat, stuffiness, or difficulty sleeping under bed nets can be deterrents [ 37 , 38 ]. Further research, including qualitative studies and intervention evaluations, is needed to promote more equitable ITN use across Sierra Leone.…”

“…Regional economic disparities could impact affordability. Pregnant women in poorer regions might struggle to purchase ITNs even if they are not freely distributed [ 37 ]. Rural areas in the Eastern region might have better access to healthcare facilities and providers who actively promote bed net use compared to urban areas with potentially overburdened healthcare systems [ 40 ].…”

Prevalence and Socio-demographic Characteristics of Malaria in Pregnancy among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

“…Hospital records suggest that malaria is responsible for 30-50% of outpatient visits, 15-25% of admissions, and 9-14% of inpatient deaths (MUSHASHU, 2012). In 2010, malaria was reported as the leading cause of morbidity, with 95% of the population at risk and killing between 70,000 and 100,000 mothers annually [6]. Uganda has the world's highest malaria incidence, with 478 cases per 1,000 populations per year.…”

“…Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in both tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Every year, millions of women become pregnant in malaria-endemic regions of Africa, and a significant proportion of individuals are asymptomatic, though with plasmodium species [6]. The World Malaria Report indicated that Africa bears the heaviest burden and the highest risk of malaria infection.…”