UTILIZATION OF LONG-LASTING INSECTICIDAL NET AND DETERMINANTS AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN SELECTED URBAN AND RURAL HEALTH FACILITY IN ENUGU, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malaria remains one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and in most Sub-Saharan African countries. Pregnant women and children are most at risk of malaria and its complications. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of long lasting Insecticide-treated nets (LLIN) in protection against malaria, however, its use have remained relatively low. The reasons for the level of use of the LLINs vary from one setting to another. This study aims to identify the determinants of utilization of LLIN among women attending antenatal clinic in Enugu, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Enugu State in 2016. Four hundred and eighty-six pregnant women were selected for the Study by multistage sampling technique. One urban and one rural local government area was purposively selected from the list of the 17 LGAs in the State. Two health facilities each were selected from the list of all the facilities in each of the selected LG As. Pregnant women were then selected by systematic random sampling in each of the facilities on their antenatal clinic. Data were collected using pretested questionnaires. Data were collected on respondents' demographic characteristics, their clinical information, availability and access to LLINs, as well as ownership and utilization of the LLINs. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square at 5% level of significance. Fifty percent of respondents lived in an urban LGA. Ninety one percent of them were between the age of 20 and 34 years. Eighty percent of them attained up to tertiary level of education. Ninety seven percent were married while ninety two percent were of the Igbo tribe. Forty three percent were unemployed while 50% earn a low monthly income. Fifty six percent of respondents owned a net while 31% use the nets. Sixty three percent of respondents in the rural LGA owned nets compared with 50% in the Urban (P < 0.001 ). An equal proportion, 31% of respondents in both the rural and urban LG As used the nets (P =0.96). Thirty five percent of those who knew how to hang a net used the nets compared with 8% of those who did not know (P < 0.001).Confidence to hang a net appeared to 7 influence a patient to use LLINs. Training or instructions on how to hang the nets should therefore be included into the process of distributing of sale of LLINs to encourage its use.