Use of insecticides treated nets at the house hold level in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of Ghana

Introduction : despite evidence that the use of Insecticides Treated Net (ITN) decreases malaria-related morbidity and mortality, the use of ITNs in sub-Saharan Africa remains relatively low. The aim of this study was to find out the factors that influence the use of ITNs in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods : a cross-sectional study with the household as the unit of study was conducted in January 2017 in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern region of Ghana. The study used a quantitative approach. A structured questionnaire was used to establish the demographic characteristics of household’s heads and factors affecting ITN use. Descriptive statistics was used to define household ITN use and logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with use and non- use of ITNs. Results : out of the 400 households sampled, ITN ownership among household heads was 58% (231). Majority (42.25%) of the respondents had not used ITN the previous night. ITN use was high (63.4 %,) among households whose heads were informal workers. The results showed a significant association between sex of respondents and ITN ownership (X2=10.75 p-value= 0.001). There was a strong association between decision making authority and ITN use of (X2=8.36 p-value= 0.015). The employment status of household heads and ITN use were significantly associated (X2= 9.36, p-value=0.009). There was a significant association between income of household heads and ITN use (p-value Conclusion : ITN use is influenced by various household factors which affects ITN utilization. Therefore, distribution of ITNs without considering these household factors will continue to yield lower results in the prevention of malaria.