Perception and affordability of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets among pregnant women and mothers of children under five years in Ogun State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Despite the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets [LLINs] in Nigeria, access to and use of LLINs continues to be minimal. Little is also known about the perceived fair price people are willing to pay for LLINs in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and mothers of under-five children in randomly-selected malaria holo-endemic communities of Ijebu North and Yewa North local government areas of Ogun State. Results showed that only 23.6% of 495 respondents owned and were using LLINs. One of the main reasons for non-use of LLINs was unaffordability of LLIN cost. 84.2% of the 495 respondents were willing to pay at a hypothetical price of N800.00 [US$5.00] for a LLIN, 15.6% were unwilling and 0.2% was indifferent to buying it at the price. Their willingness to pay was significantly determined by education and occupation [p = 0.00]. Health education strategies need to be developed to increase awareness and demand for LLINs. However, there is the need to take into account preferred access outlets and the diversity in willingness to pay for LLINs if equity to access is to be ensured in the study communities