Possession, utilization and preference of long-lasting insecticidal nets after introduction in rural settings of Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: In recent years, Ethiopia has made significant strides in expanding coverage of key malaria interventions. It is known that lacking blanket coverage and under-utilization of intervention tools by the community will impede the efforts of malaria prevention and control programmes. The objectives of this study were to assess the coverage, utilization, preference of net shape and colour.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2011 to May 2012, in rural parts of Oromia, Amhara, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ (SNNP) and Tigray Regional States of Ethiopia. A total of 2778 households were selected for the study using multi-stage sampling procedures. All households were visited by trained interviewers to collect the Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) coverage, the practice of using it regularly and net colour and shape preferences of the community at household level. Data were computerized using Epi-Info 7 and analysed using Stata/SE 11.0 version.

Results: Of the total households included in the study 86.4% (95% CI: 85.3 – 87.9) owned at least one net and 73.5% (95% CI: 71.3-74.9) of nets owned had someone sleeping under them every night. In terms of preferences, 58% (95% CI: 56.5-60.4) of respondents preferred blue; 32% (95% CI: 29.7-33.5) green; 6% (95% CI: 4.8-6.7) white, and 4% (95% CI: 3.4-5.0) other colours. With regard to shape preference, 46% (95% CI: 44.4-48.4) preferred circular shape, 43% (95% CI: 41.0-45.0) rectangular shape and 11% (95% CI: 9.3-11.8) have not specific shape preference.

Conclusion: The study found the highest net possession and better usage with varying shape and colour preferences among regional states. Furthermore, LLIN procurement could take the preference of varying community probably. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2014;28(2):89-95]