Knowledge and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets among Freely Supplied Households in Wonago Woreda; Southern Ethiopia

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

Insecticide-impregnated bed nets: a new tool for malaria prevention and control- an old strategy with new perspectives

Malaria is one of the major vector-borne diseases in many parts of the World. With the development of resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to drugs mosquito vector species to insecticides, the problem has become more critical. At present the emphasis is on the implementation of sustainable control by community participation through primary health care systems. One of the simple technologies which can be implemented with community assistance is the use of pyrethroid impregnated bed nets for protection against mosquito bites. Trials carried out in many countries have shown, that if properly used, such treated-nets are cheap, socially acceptable and effective for prevention against malaria. This paper presents a brief introduction to impregnated bed nets with particular reference to malaria control