Factors affecting usage of insecticide treated nets for malaria control by pregnant women in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Abstract

The National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP) was set up to ensure transition from malaria control to malaria elimination in Nigeria. One of the targets was to reduce malaria-related mortality by 50% by the year 2020, by ensuring that at least 80% of the targeted populations utilize appropriate preventive measures. This study was aimed at reviewing the success of insecticide treated net (ITN) malaria control efforts and understanding the failures and the need to boost up the intervention measures. The research design used for this study was the descriptive method. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 316 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Amongst the respondents, 180 (57.0%) owned an ITN while 136 (43.0%) did not. A greater percentage (72.9%) of those who used the ITNs purchased their nets, only 8.4% of mothers who received their ITNs free of charge used the net (P=0.159). Dislike by spouses (63.3%), hot weather discomfort (17.8%) and forgetfulness (17.2%) were some of the factors that contributed to failures of net usage by the pregnant women. Cost Free distribution of ITN did not necessarily improve usage. Rather, success of this strategy will require carrying out more awareness campaign.