Knowledge and utilization of insecticide treated mosquito nets among freely supplied households in Wonago Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Free distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) for households in malarious areas is currently underway in Ethiopia to prevent malaria. Adequate follow-up of its utilization and status is lacking.

Objectives: To assess utilization of ITNs by households and under-five children, and the factors affecting its utilization among freely supplied households.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wonago Woreda, Southern Ethiopia, in June and July 2006. Malarious kebeles of the study area were stratified into three strata based on their distance from Dilla Town (one of the towns in the Woreda), and 650 households freely supplied with at least one ITN were randomly selected using proportional allocation to size.

Results: Of the 944 freely supplied ITNs to 638 households, 649 (68.8%) were reported as being used by households. The use of at least one ITN was reported by 482 (75.5%) households, and under-five children who slept under ITN in the previous night were 452 (58.0%). Availability of separate bedroom significantly increased the use of ITN by households. In addition, possession of two or more ITNs and perception that ITN prevents from mosquito bite were significantly associated with utilization of ITNs by households and under-five children.

Conclusion: Not all ITNs supplied to households were used. Its utilization was affected by the unavailability of separate bedroom, less number of ITNs supplied and less perception of ITNs as main preventive measures of malaria. A strong health education program is needed for promoting the proper utilization of this newly adopted malaria control strategy. [ Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2008;22(1):34-41]