Perception and Predictors of Insecticide-Treated Net Use in a Rural Northern Nigerian Community

ABSTRACT

"Background: Sub-Saharan Africa carries a high burden of malaria. Despite evidence of the effectiveness of insecticide treated nets (ITNs); utilization rates are still low. Methods: We assessed community perception of malaria and determinants of ITN use among 158 households in rural northern Nigeria using interviewer administered structured questionnaires. Results: Nearly all respondents 157(99.4) were familiar with the term ""malaria"" and attributed it to mosquito bite. Other mentioned causes of malaria included unclean environment (74); heat (7); overwork (1.9); and contaminated water (0.6). The symptoms mentioned included fever (95); headache (52.5); body weakness (41.1) and vomiting (25.9). Most respondents (84.0) were aware of ITNs but only 34.8used them. Willingness to buy at current market price; health workers as source of information and the use of mosquito coils were significant predictors of ITN use. Conclusion: High awareness of ITNs did not translate into its utilization. Public health education in malaria including free ITN use should be delivered by health workers."