Awareness, Ownership and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets against Malaria Vectors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

Irikannu, Kindness Chidi and Umeobieri, Ancilla Kate and Onyebueke, Anthony Chibuike (2021) Awareness, Ownership and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets against Malaria Vectors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 42 (7). pp. 22-31. ISSN 2278-1005

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Abstract

Aim: To determine the level, sources of awareness, ownership and utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) by pregnant women, according to age, parity, trimester, occupation and hospital attended.

Study Design: The study was a cross sectional survey of 577 randomly selected pregnant women who were attending antenatal clinic in different hospitals in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Duration of Study: The study was conducted in February 2016.

Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the study participants.

Results: Of a total of 577 respondents, 566(98.1%) had previous knowledge of ITNs while only 11(1.9%) had no prior knowledge. Also, 218(38.5%) had heard about ITNs from Radio, 184(32.5%) from Television, while 374(66.1%) from Antenatal clinics. A total of 217(46.2%) obtained at least one net at antenatal clinic, 39(8.3%) purchased at least one of the ITNs owned, 49(10.4%) received the net at their Local Government Headquarters while 263(66.9%) received at least one by free distribution at other locations. Respondents from government owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) had the highest ownership rate of 92.7%, while least 65.0% was observed at the privately owned Divine Hospital and Maternity. The ownership of ITNs was dependent on the hospital as there was a significant difference (X2=56.374, df=2, p < .05). Age group 25–34 years had the highest ownership rate of 87.1% while the least 72.8% was in age group 15–24 years. Women in age group 35–44 years had the highest utilization rate of 52.3% while least usage rate was in age group 15-24 years and there was a significant difference (X2=7.042, df=2, p < .05).

Conclusion: Public health educators, Doctors and Antenatal heads need to do more in sensitization on the importance of utilization of ITNs during pregnancy for protection against malaria vectors.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: ITNs; malaria; pregnant; insecticide; awareness; utilization
Subjects: Opene Prints > Medical Science
Depositing User: Managing Editor
Date Deposited: 11 Nov 2022 05:07
Last Modified: 10 Feb 2024 03:56
URI: http://geographical.go2journals.com/id/eprint/91

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