Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets: Assessment of the Awareness and Utilization of Them among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background. The use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLITNs) is one of the effective strategies for the prevention of malaria, especially among pregnant women. Aim. This study is aimed at assessing the awareness and utilization of LLITNs during pregnancy among antenatal clinic attendees at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study among antenatal attendees at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. A semistructured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the participants. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results. The mean age of the women was 26.05 ± 5.76 years. About one-third (30%) of the respondents were nulliparous. Most of the respondents had at least a secondary education. More than ninety percent of the respondents had a good knowledge of malaria with 95.8% being aware of LLITNs. The main source of information was from hospitals (54.5%). The rate of utilization of LLITNs was 37.5%; however, consistent use was only reported by about a third of this proportion. The major reasons for not utilizing the nets include discomfort/heat and fear of the chemical content. Women with tertiary education were more likely to utilize mosquito nets during pregnancy compared with women with secondary or primary education. Women who live in rural areas (OR = 0.393 95% CI 0.602–0.073) were less likely to use LLITNs during pregnancy, while those who are aware of the aetiology of malaria (OR = 4.38 95% CI 0.983–19.591) were more likely to utilize LLITNs in pregnancy. Conclusion. The level of awareness of LLITNs is high; however, its utilization was discouragingly low. Rural dwellers and those without appropriate knowledge of the aetiology of malaria were less likely to use LLITNs in pregnancy.

Utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated net and its associated factors among pregnant women in Dawo district, Southwest Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023

“…However, LLIN use is quite low among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and the percentage of households in Ethiopia that own and utilize LLINs continues to be much below national and WHO recommendations, with reported variables including residence, age, family size, income, education, attitude, and other considerations (6)(7)(8)(9).…”

Socio-demographic and economic inequity in the use of insecticide-treated bed nets during pregnancy: a survey-based case study of four sub-Saharan African countries with a high burden of malaria

“…Two common malaria preventative measures for pregnant mothers are the use of intermittent preventative treatment using anti-malarial medications, and timely utilization of long-lasting, insecticide-treated nets (LLINs).Use of insecticidal bed nets such as LLIN is found to be an effective public health tool for control of malaria, especially among under-five children and pregnant women (especially in Africa) — the two most vulnerable groups [ 4 ]. A recent review by Cochrane [ 5 ], and multiple recent studies [ 6 , 7 ] have clearly demonstrated a strong correlation between the use of ITNs and reduction in stillbirths, increase in birth weight, and a reduction in anemia and parasitemia levels among pregnant women. In addition to their use among pregnant women and children, ITNs generally reduce vector density [ 8 ].…”

Acceptance and Utilization of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) by the Community of Mamboro Sub-district and Katiku Tana Sub-district, Central Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara

“…Prevention by controlling vectors and preventing mosquito bites to humans needs to be done to break the chain of transmission. 4,5 One of the programs carried out by the government to control malaria to achieve elimination is the distribution and use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). 6 LLINs are recommended as a strategic factor in breaking the malaria transmission chain because the insecticide content in the fiber can kill mosquitoes.…”