Factors influencing the use of bednets in Southeastern Nigeria

Malaria is a global public health problem accounting for 801,000 deaths annually in Africa. Nigeria has the highest number of affected people in Africa, accounting for a quarter of all malaria cases. Although numerous campaigns promote the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) against malaria transmission, Nigeria continues to be one of the countries with the lowest number of people utilizing ITNs. This study examines whether knowledge of malaria causation and prevention methods affects the use of ITNs. A cross-sectional household cluster survey was administered in 4 Local Government Area's in Nigeria to determine net ownership, use of protective measures, and general knowledge of malaria. Chi square test was used to analyze statistical significance of factors associated with bednet use. A total of 1039 households, consisting of 5234 people (908 under age 5) were surveyed. 76% of respondents and 59% of children under 5 were reported to have slept under an ITN the previous night. In households owning an ITN, children under 5 were more likely to have slept under a net if the adult family member reported knowing ITNs prevented malaria (p= < 0.0001). The primary reasons given for not using an ITN were lack of ownership (71%) and feeling too hot (10%). The majority of the respondents received information through radio campaigns with 51% of the messages relating to bednet use. This study showed that knowledge of malaria prevention influenced the use of ITNs, but further research is required to understand effective communication avenues to increase ITN use.