Knowledge and perception towards net care and repair practice in Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundLong-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are a key malaria control intervention. Although LLINs are presumed to be effective for 3 years under field or programmatic conditions, net care and repair approaches by users influence the physical and chemical durability. Understanding how knowledge, perception and practices influence net care and repair practices could guide the development of targeted behavioural change communication interventions related to net care and repair in Ethiopia and elsewhere.MethodsThis population-based, household survey was conducted in four regions of Ethiopia [Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Southern Nations Nationalities Peoples Region (SNNPR)] in June 2015. A total of 1839 households were selected using multi-stage sampling procedures. The household respondents were the heads of households. A questionnaire was administered and the data were captured electronically. STATA software version 12 was used to analyse the data. Survey commands were used to account for the multi-stage sampling approach. Household descriptive statistics related to characteristics and levels of knowledge and perception on net care and repair are presented. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with net care and repair perceptions.ResultsLess than a quarter of the respondents (22.3%: 95% CI 20.4–24.3%) reported adequate knowledge of net care and repair; 24.6% (95% CI 22.7–26.5%) of the respondents reported receiving information on net care and repair in the previous 6 months. Thirty-five per cent of the respondents (35.1%: 95% CI 32.9–37.4%) reported positive perceptions towards net care and repair. Respondents with adequate knowledge on net care and repair (AOR 1.58: 95% CI 1.2–2.02), and those who discussed net care and repair with their family (AOR 1.47: 95% CI 1.14–1.89) had higher odds of having positive perceptions towards net care and repair.ConclusionsThe low level of reported knowledge on net care and repair, as well as the low level of reported positive perception towards net repair need to be addressed. Targeted behavioural change communication campaigns could be used to target specific groups; increased net care and repair would lead to longer lasting nets.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-2043-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Monitoring the physical and insecticidal durability of the long-lasting insecticidal net DawaPlus® 2.0 in three States in Nigeria

“…These have previously been found to have a positive impact in the Nigeria context [12,13]. There is further evidence from Ethiopia that improved knowledge of net care and repair induces a more positive attitude [23]. A positive effect on physical durability was also seen for nets that had been exclusively used by adults (HR 0.66) and at the same time the presence of children under 5 years old had a detrimental effect (HR 1.42).…”

Bedbug Infestation Affects Utilization of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Kola Shara, South-West Ethiopia: A Longitudinal Study

“…Therefore, the present nding is informative to partly answer questions like 'why net utilization has never been improved' in the last decade [4,5]; despite the blanket coverage of nets freely available to households in endemic kebeles through the support of global fund grants. So far, there was limited attention in exploring the household factors that compromise net utilization and high attrition rate on monthly basis [3][4][5]. Thus, con dently, the present nding shade light on the effects of bedbug infestation on the proper utilization of nets.…”

“…The absence of nets most frequently in a household is probably predisposing the family members, especially susceptible groups to malaria. Although a study mentioned that bedbug jeopardize persistent net utilization or barrier to net users [3][4][5]12], another study that focused on Bedbug containment practices [9,13], no detailed evidence available on the magnitude of the Bedbug versus net utilization.…”

“…Obviously, in Ethiopia, vector control particularly LLINs is considered as a cornerstone of malaria prevention and control [1]. Despite the tremendous role of LLINs in reduction of malaria mortality and morbidity upon achieving appropriate coverage and effective utilization, a study has shown its poor implementation is believed to be a potential threat to malaria reduction and ultimate elimination in Ethiopia [2][3][4].…”

Previous Trend, Present Prevalence and Integrated Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Malaria and Use of Insecticide-treated Mosquito Net in the Rural Setting of Welkait District, Northwest Ethiopia

“…Since ITN is not equivalent to LLIN that requires the second time treatment with insecticide [33], however only quarter of them treated their ITNs with insecticide for the second time during long usage experiences. Due to great insufficiencies of ITNs/LLINs that limits the universal coverage of all malarious regions in Ethiopia as well as other African regions, the trend of second time treatment of ITN with insecticide and repair has to be encouraged among the society [18,39].…”