The Determinants of Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Biomedical Science Direct Publication
Abstract
Background and Objective: Malaria remains a disease of public health importance in the
developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing the
utilization of ITNs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the UITH, Ilorin.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women carried
out in the antenatal clinic of UITH. The subjects were selected at booking and administered
questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi-Info software version 3.4.1 of computer. Results:
The findings were that 85.2% knew about ITNs and 29.6% did not know where to obtain ITNs.
About 74% did not know the cost of ITNs, and 81.5% and 79.8% were of the opinion that ITNs
are used to protect against mosquito bites and effective in prevention of malaria respectively.
One third (33.7%) of respondents had ever used ITNs. The reasons for non-utilization of ITNs
were among others, lack of knowledge, lack of interest, unavailability and use of other methods
of prevention. About half of ITNs users used it every day and only 7.9% have been using it for
over three years. Statistical analysis showed that marital status, parity, and education had
significant influence on utilization of ITNs, where as age and gestational age at booking did not.
Conclusion: ITNs coverage is abysmally low among the most vulnerable group. There is need
for government to increase enlightenment campaign and intensify advertisement on media
that would inform and educate individuals about the usefulness of ITNs
Description
Keywords
determinants, utilization, insecticide treated nets, pregnant women, Nigeria