Insecticide-treated Bed Net (ITN): Ownership and Usage in the Control of Malaria in Abia State, Nigeria

Malaria and its control remain major global public health and development challenge. To date, there is no effective vaccine or drug for the mass chemoprophylaxis against malaria, thus proper know-how and use of preventive measures is crucial. The recommended preventive interventions are the use of ITNs, and indoor residual house spraying and other preventive interventions where appropriate and effective. However, lack of sustainable distribution and issues relating to ownership and usage, have limited the effective use of ITN as a control measure. This study evaluated the distribution, ownership and usage of ITNs in the control of malaria in five (5) Local Government Areas of Abia State between January and April, 2016. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested structural questionnaire administered through house-to-house interview. Out of 2000 respondents, 1538(77.0%) affirmed they are aware of ITNs. Out of this number (1538) who claimed awareness of ITNs, only 593(38.6%) actually owned ITNs. Reasons for non-ownership include “not readily available” (19.9%), “already have door/window netting” (18.8%) and “fear of side-effect” (6.9%). Sources through which ITNs were acquired include Health Center (37.8%), followed by Health campaign (27.0%). Rate of compliance to the use of ITNs showed that only 287(47.0%) out of 593 that owned the net, claimed they actually use the net every night. A major reason for non-compliance was that the net is too hot to sleep under (44.7%). On ways to improve compliance to ITNs use, “ensure availability” was highly recommended (82.0%).There is a need therefore to create more awareness of the anti-malarial significance of ITNs, and to ensure that these nets are readily available to as many as need them.