Distribution, possession and utilization of insecticide treated nets in relation to malaria prevalence in Nangere Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) is considered the most cost effective methods of malaria prevention in endemic areas. However the possession and utilization of ITNs determines the success and the benefits of the freely distributed ITNs. The study assessed the free distribution of insecticides treated nets in Nangere Local Government Area of Yobe between April to August 2021. Structured questionnaires and laboratory techniques were used for data collection. Structured questionnaire was administered to 752 respondents who are residents of the communities. Blood samples were also collected from each of the respondents for malaria parasite examination using microscopy. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS. Relationships between the variables were determined at 95% level of confidence. 696 of respondent agreed that there was free distribution of ITNs in the community, with 432 of them testing positive for malaria with prevalence of 62.1%. Whereas 56 of the respondent were of the view there was no free distribution of ITNs, with 40 of them testing positive (67.79%). Chisquare test reported no significant association between free distribution of ITNs and malaria prevalence (χ²cal = 0.354 < χ²tab =3.841, df = 1, p>0.05). 648 of the respondents sleep under ITNs with 58.49 positive for malaria. 104 respondents do not sleep under ITNs with 86.53% infected with malaria parasites. Age group 20 – 29(22.21%) was the most infected, while age ≥ 40 recorded had the least (3.72%). Males (34.04%) were more compared to females (28.32%).The  possession and utilization of ITNs was associated with malaria infection.