Attitudes and Practices of Insecticide Treated Bed Nets Usage among Rural Dwellers in Oyo State, Nigeria
N. C. Ekeleme
Department of Community Medicine, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria.
C. E. Ijioma
Department of Internal Medicine, Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Nigeria.
N. A. Unachukwu
East Tennessee State Hospital, USA.
P. I. Ejikem
Department of Community Medicine, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria.
J. E. Areh
Department of Emergency Medicine, Warrington and Halton Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
C. I. Ogwu
SFC, USAR Patient Administration Specialist, All Saints University, Saints Vincent and the Grenadines, Caribbean Island.
E. O. Jeffery
Department of Surgery, Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
I. J. Esangbedo
Department of Internal Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
A. C. Amuta
Population Health/Health IT Analyst, Prince George’s County Health Department, 1701 McCormick Drive, USA.
P. C. Ojiri
School of Midwifery, Amachara, Abia State, Nigeria.
N. O. Amoji
Department of Family Medicine, J & R Hospital, Badore, Lagos, Nigeria.
O. E. Aminu-Ayinde
Department of Accident and Emergency, Mountain Top University Hospital, Prayer City, Ogun State, Nigeria.
E. S. Amadi
Department of Internal Medicine, St. Jude Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria.
N. Onyeukwu
Acting Director of Nursing Services, Ministry of Health, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
I. O. Abali
Department of Surgery, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
A. I. Airaodion *
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Malaria, a life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, continues to be a significant public health issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed at understanding the attitudes and practices regarding the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) among rural dwellers in Oyo state, Nigeria.
Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional design. The questionnaire was developed based on the objectives of the study. Sample size was calculated using the Fisher’s formula. The minimum sample size was 278 and was adjusted to 306 to account for non-response rate of 10%. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to select the participants.
Results: The primary understanding of the purpose of ITNs was prevention of mosquito bites (59.67%), and prevention of malaria (40.33%). However, only 74% believed that ITNs could effectively prevent malaria and just 66% considered ITNs safe for use. The practice of ITN usage was quite high, with 93% of respondents possessing ITNs in their households. ITNs were obtained predominantly through free distribution (49%) or purchase (29.67%). Use of ITNs varied among participants, with 28.67% always using it, 41% often using it, and 7% never using it. The reasons for not always using ITNs included discomfort sleeping under it (49%) and perceptions of heat (30%). An analysis of the factors affecting the usage of ITNs indicated a significant association with the age, marital status, level of education, knowledge of ITNs, and beliefs about ITN's effectiveness and safety. The usage of ITNs was particularly low among younger respondents, those who were single or widowed/divorced/separated, those with no formal education or primary education, and those who were unaware of ITNs or did not believe in their effectiveness or safety.
Conclusion: This study reveals a gap between knowledge and practice in ITN use, with significant barriers being discomfort and a lack of belief in the effectiveness of ITNs. While ownership rates are high, usage rates, especially consistent usage, is low. This was due to misconceptions, especially around the efficacy and safety of ITNs. Moreover, maintenance practices are suboptimal.
Keywords: Insecticide-treated bed nets, knowledge and attitude, practice and utilization