Baseline Assessment of Distributed Long Lasting  Insecticide–treated Nets (LLINs) and its Utilization for  Malaria Control in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Ogboi SJ; Akubue A; Ogundiran A; Agu PU; Ume I.A

Volume : III, Issue : XI, November - 2013

Baseline Assessment of Distributed Long Lasting Insecticide–treated Nets (LLINs) and its Utilization for Malaria Control in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Ogboi Sj, Akubue A, Ogundiran A, Agu Pu, Ume I. A

Abstract :

Background: Following the commencement of the Roll Back Malaria initiative in Nigeria in 2011 and the distribution of long–lasting insecticide–treated nets(LLINs),Enugu State distributed LLINs to provide protection against mosquito bites among individuals in all households in the state. This study evaluated the number of households that received and owned LLINs through the mass campaign and determined how many of these households were using the LLINs, particularly the children under age five and pregnant women. Methodology: We conducted a state–wide survey after the mass distribution campaign to evaluate its impact on household long–lasting insecticide–treated nets (LLINs) ownership and use. Factors associated with household LLINs possession using questionnaires administered by trained Expanded Programme on Immunization Monitors were examined from 1347 households.Results: Of the total households that participated in this study,97%(1310/1,347)owned at least one LLIN. Thirty–seven (3%)household questionnaires were rejected due to incompleteness or unavailability of an appropriate respondent at home after three visits. Although the majority of households owned LLINs, only 70%(919/1310)were actually seen by the monitors, 65% of the household hung them but only 25% were hung properly, and nearly a quarter,22% (206/919),of nets seen were already destroyed. Thirty–one percent of children under five years and 38%of pregnant mothers slept inside the nets. Use of LLINs is higher in rural than urban settings (79%)and among less or uneducated individuals(85%);59.50% of the people who use LLINs are not educated, 22% had primary education,10.5% had secondary education while 5% had tertiary education. Evaluation of core malaria program indicators shows that the national core target and the indicators are not met as most of the targets are 40% off the expected target. Conclusions: Distribution of long lasting insecticidal nets through mass campaigns rapidly increased ownership and utilization of nets especially among vulnerable groups; it is possible to reach target beneficiaries through well planned LLIN distribution campaigns. However, utilization still fell short of the national target, especially among non–pregnant adults.