The Impact of Long Lasting Insecticidal-Treated Nets on Malaria Parasitaemia among out Patients in Shonga, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State

Abstract

Malaria persists as a critical public health issue in Nigeria. Use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is a widely used intervention tool for malaria control and intervention in most malaria endemic areas.The study was aimed at evaluating the impact of long-lasting insecticidal treated nets (LLINs) on malaria parasitaemia among out-patients in Shonga, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, conducted between January and July 2023. Blood samples of 318 out-patients comprising 143 males and 175 females were analyzed using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. Additionally, structured questionnaires were administered to the patients from whom blood samples were collected in order to obtain information on their LLIN usage. More males (60.1%) were infected than females (35.4%). More of the subjects (85.6%) had knowledge of LLINs. A greater number (94%) acquired their mosquito net from health workers while more respondents (69.4%) were found not to be using their LLIN. Patients who were not using LLINs were more prone to malaria infection (55.7%) as compared to those who used LLINs (16.7%). The study recommends public awareness to educate the community on the correct use of LLINs in Shonga a malaria endemic area.