ABSTRACT
Background: Free distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) for households in malarious areas is currently underway in Ethiopia to prevent malaria. Adequate follow-up of its utilization and status is lacking. Objectives: To assess utilization of ITNs by households and under-five children; and the factors affecting its utilization among freely supplied households. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wonago Woreda; Southern Ethiopia; in June and July 2006. Malarious kebeles of the study Town (one of the towns in the Woreda); and 650 households freely supplied with at least one ITN were randomly selected using proportional allocation to size. Results: Of the 944 freely supplied ITNs to 638 households; 649 (68.8) were reported as being used by households. The use of at least one ITN was reported by 482 (75.5) households; and under-five children who slept under ITN in the previous night were 452 (58.0). Availability of separate bedroom significantly increased the use of ITN by households. In addition; possession of two or more ITNs and perception that ITN prevents from mosquito bite were significantly associated with utilization of ITNs by households and under-five children. Conclusion: Not all ITNs supplied to households were used. Its utilization was affected by the unavailability of separate bedroom; less number of ITNs supplied and less perception of ITNs as main preventive measures of malaria. A strong health education program is needed for promoting the proper utilization of this newly adopted malaria control strategy