Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of the Use of Insecticide- Treated Nets (ITNs) in Aba, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Over the past decade, significant gains have been made in the implementation of malaria preventive measures in sub-Saharan Africa, including the distribution of insecticide treated nets (ITNs). These have been shown to cause a reduction in the incidence of malaria and other mosquito borne diseases. Methods: Knowledge, attitude and practices of the use of ITNs were critically evaluated in Aba, south eastern Nigeria from February to July, 2013. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four communities in Aba. A total of 500 household heads or their representatives were surveyed using a pre-tested structural questionnaire administered through house-to-house interview. Results: Out of the 500 respondents interviewed, 460 (92.0%) associated malaria with mosquito bites. On home management practices used to prevent mosquito bites, 299 (59.8%) use ITNs, 100 (20.0%) use insecticide sprays, 45 (9.0%) use window/door nets while 32 (6.4%) use repellants. The use of ITNs based on age showed that people between ages 26 and above had the highest percentage (51.8%), while ages 15-20 had the least (9.3%). Based on levels of education, 179 (66.5%) of those with tertiary education use ITNs, 65 (21.0%) of those with secondary education and only 3 (1.0%) of the illiterate group use ITNs. Conclusion: Despite increased access to this intervention over time, the use of ITNs still remains low. There is a need therefore to create more awareness of the anti-malarial significance of ITNs, through intensified health education programmes. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Aba, south-east, Nigeria.