DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i02.015

Pages: 608-613

The use of Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITNs) is a key strategy for achieving a reduction in the malaria burden in Nigeria and other malaria endemic countries. This study was conducted to assess the awareness, ownership and utilization of ITNs in a rural community in southern Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The instrument of data collection was an interviewer administered semi- structured questionnaire. Respondents were selected through multistage sampling method. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 18. A total of 269 respondents, each representing a household participated in the study. One hundred and twenty three, (45.7%) respondents were aged 21-30 years; 213 (79.2%) had at least secondary level of education and 253 (94%) were aware of ITNs. The main sources of information were radio/television, 139 (51.5%) and hospital 60 (22.3%). One hundred and twenty six (49.8%) owned ITNs out of which 90 (71.4%) obtained it from the health facility. Up to 46 (36.5%) had more than one, while 127(50.2%) did not own any. A total of 95(75.4%) of those who owned ITNs used them with 41 (43.2%) using them regularly. Pregnant women in only 17(33.3%) out of 51 households used ITN. Also, under five children in only 44 (37.6%) out of 117 households used ITNs. Though awareness of ITN was high, ownership and utilization were comparatively low. Efforts should be made by relevant stakeholders to increase ownership and usage of ITNs in order to reduce morbidity and mortality from malaria especially among pregnant women and under-five children in this community.