Baseline survey for the implementation of insecticide treated mosquito nets in Malaria control in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) have raised a renewed interest to serve as tools for malaria control in Africa. The use of this control method has been proved to be a cost-effective means for the control of malaria. However, little is known the acceptability and utilization of mosquito nets in Ethiopia.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to provide relevant information about the knowledge, attitude and experience of communities about malaria and its preventive methods, particularly the acceptability and affordability of ITNs.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in five different parts of Ethiopia in January and February 1999. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 1,933 households for the study. Data were collected by interviewing household heads or their representatives.
Results: Ninety-five percent of the participants perceived fever, headache and chilling of the body as the main symptoms of malaria. More than 87% of the interviewees correctly identified the names of the anti-malarial drugs, chloroquine and SP. About 93% of the participants knew that malaria could be transmitted through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are known to breed on stagnant water (83%). More than 43% of the respondents replied that DDT, in combination with other control measures, could prevent malaria. Forty-one percent of the respondents had heard about the mosquito net. Only 5.3% of the respondents in the survey reported the presence of at least one mosquito net in their households. Most of the respondents (92.5%) were interested in using mosquito nets sometime in the future. The most preferred mode of obtaining ITNs was on loan basis (60%). Accordingly, 24%, 20% and 16% were willing to pay in three, six, and nine months of installments and above, respectively. Forty-percent of the study participants were ready to buy it in cash. Of the 1,696 respondents, 47% suggested 10 Birr or less, 11% between 11 and 20 Birr, 28% from 2150 Birr and the rest (14%) mentioned 51 Birr and above as the appropriate price for purchasing a single ITN.
Conclusion: The utilization of mosquito nets at the time of the study was very low. However, acceptability and willingness to use ITNs for malaria prevention was very high. Thus, the expanding ITN implementation and increasing its coverage for malaria control both in urban and rural malarious areas of the country is crucial. It is recommended that communities should be strongly sensitized on the importance of ITNs for malaria control and the availability and affordability should be insured. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2005;19(1):16-23]