UTILIZATION OF LONG-LASTING INSECTICIDAL NET BY UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN OSUN STATE

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide. It occurs mostly in poor tropical and subtropical areas of the world and it is a leading cause of death and disease in many developing countries especially Sub-Saharan Africa, where young children and pregnant women are the groups most affected. Utilization of long lasting insecticidal net (LLlN) has been associated with reduction of malaria incidence. Despite attaining high levels of Long Lasting Insecticidal net coverage in Nigeria many children under five years of age do not sleep under the net. This study assessed the level of knowledge, utilization and factors influencing the use of LLIN among under five children in Osun State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,020 mothers/caregivers of under five children in selected households in Osun State using a multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics. knowledge on LLIN, ownership of LLIN, utilization of LLIN by under five children and factors influencing utilization of LLIN. Six focus group discussions were conducted among mother/caregivers of under five children. Data was summarized using frequencies, means and proportions. Chi square test was done to compare proportions for categorical variables. Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression was done to determine the predictors of knowledge on LLIN and its utilization. Level of statistical significance was set at p value<0.05. Mean age of respondents was 30.0±6.3 years. All the mothers were aware of LLIN and 76.1 % had good knowledge of LLIN. Their major sources of LLIN were during net distribution campaign 516 (51.0%) and from the health facilities 322 (32.0%). Eight hundred and thirty six (82.9%) respondents had at least one LLIN and 58.6% under five children slept under the net the night before the study. It was also reported that 41.2% of all the under five children surveyed slept under the net every night. Factors influencing utilization of LLIN by under five children were; level of education (OR=aOR= 1.44, 95%CI= 1.01-2.07. p=0.04), knowledge (aOR=1.82. 95%CI = 1.36-2.45, p=<0.001) and tribe (aOR= 1.54, 95% CI= 1.01-2.36, p=0.04) of respondents. The barriers to utilization of LLIN by under-five children were discomfort due to heat, reactions to chemical and unpleasant odour. Other barriers from the FGDs were the misconception of some mothers concerning the net that the distributed nets were more effective than the ones purchased and the mothers ignorant of the fact that the nets comes in different colours and sizes. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge on the use of LLIN. The level of utilization of LLIN among study respondents was slightly above average. Educative programmes on the use of LLIN should be given through the media by the government in other to capture mothers/caregivers with poor knowledge on LLIN. Also. health workers should educate mothers on proper handling of LLIN prior to its use in other to limit the side effects of the chemicals.