Insecticide treated net usage and its predictors among HIV patients attending an antiretroviral therapy clinic in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria prevention is important among HIV patients to mitigate its associated complications. This study
explored the predictors of insecticide-treated net (ITN) usage among HIV patients attending an antiretroviral therapy
(ART) clinic in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.
Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study that involved 297 patients who attended an ART clinic in Ebonyi State. An
interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant data which included the perception of malaria
prevention, ownership of ITN, condition of ITN, duration of use, and ITN usage. The relationship between ITN usage
and other variables were assessed using bivariate analysis and the predictors were determined using multivariate logistic
regression.
Results: There were 64 (21.5%) males and 233(78.5%) females. Knowledge of the use of ITN (mean= 4.24 ±0.93) was
rated better than knowledge of the use of mosquito repellent (mean = 3.79 ± 1.21) and knowledge of the use of
protective clothes (mean= 3.86 ±1.26). 246 (83%) of the study population owned ITN. Only 48% (118) of those who had
ITNs reported having optimal nets (nets without holes). 135 (45.5%) of the participants reported sleeping under the net
every day in the past week. There was a significant relationship between ITN usage and knowledge of the use of ITN,
ownership of ITN, duration of use, and condition of nets. Predictors of usage of ITN were duration of use (AOR=0.386,
95%C.I for AOR=0.224-0.665) and condition of the nets (AOR=0.399, 95%C.I for AOR=0.226-0.706).
Conclusion: Perception of malaria prevention was high among the study group. Ownership of ITN was high although
many of the ITNs were not in good condition. Usage of ITN was largely determined by duration of use and good
condition of nets. Yearly assessment of the condition of ITNs and replacement exercise of ITNs (2-3 years) at ART
clinics to replace old and worn-out nets among HIV patients are recommended