Evaluation of Interactions between Malaria Vector Control Practices and Demographic Parameters in Selected Communities in Abia State, South-East, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes has become a debilitating and burdensome disease in Sub-Saharan Africa and conventional practices such as Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs), and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and unconventional practices are usually employed as malaria vector control measures. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the interactions that exist between these control practices and demographic parameters in selected communities across Ikwuano, Osisioma and Ohafia Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Abia State, South-East, Nigeria using multi-stage sampling technique with five hundred and ten structured questionnaires. Data obtained reveals that the predominant control practices were IRS (325; 63.7%), although it was used in combination with other control methods. This was followed by screening of windows with net (221; 43.3%), whereas only a few respondents used LLITNs. Respondent’s LGA, level of education, type of dwelling structure and household size had significant relationship with most of the malaria vector control practices/perceptions (P < 0.05). However, gender had no significant relationship with any of the malaria vector control practices/perceptions (P > 0.05). Effectiveness (306; 60.0%) was the major reason behind choice of method practiced. Respondents also chose methods that were cheap (175; 34.3%) and prevented contact with mosquitoes (154; 30.2%), but attested to not being aware of any recent Government/Non-Governmental (NGO) mosquito control intervention (386; 75.7%). Considering the low ownership and usage of LLITNs in Abia, efforts should be made towards more distribution. Control programs are advised to consider LGA, level of education, household size, and type of dwelling structure during the design and deployment of interventions.