Socio-demographic factors influencing the ownership and utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets among malaria vulnerable groups in the Buea Health District, Cameroon.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Malaria remains a public health problem and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) against it in vulnerable groups (pregnant women and children <5 years) is recommended in Cameroon. This study was aimed at assessing the socio-demographic factors influencing the ownership and utilization of ITNs among vulnerable groups in the Buea Health District (BHD).

Methods

In a cross-sectional survey a questionnaire was administered in households with at least a child <5 years and/pregnant woman in five health areas of the BHD. Information on demographic variables, household composition, mosquito bed net (MBN) ownership, utilization and factors influencing ownership and utilization was recorded.

Results

A total of 443 respondents were recruited and 208 (47.0%) possessed at least one MBN (total?=?275 MBNs) with a median of 1.33 nets. Of the 275 nets found in households, 89 (32%) were potent ITNs and others had never been retreated/treated. Purchase of MBNs from the market was associated with marital status (P?=?0.010) and urban settlement (P?=?0.045). The number of respondents who did not know where to retreat/treat ITNs was significantly higher (P?=?0.005) in urban than rural dwellers. The proportion of rural respondents who had once taken their MBNs for re-treatment was significantly higher (P?=?0.002) than that of urban dwellers. MBN utilisation was 69.7% (95% confidence interval; CI?=?.63.2-75.6%). A total of 83.4%, 13.8% and 3.4% used MBNs throughout the year, during the rainy and dry seasons respectively. MBN use in children under five was associated with being from an urban area (P?=?0.01). MBN use in pregnant women was associated with living in block-louver houses than in block-pane houses (P?=?0.047).

Conclusions

Utilization of MBN needs to be encouraged to match ownership while free distribution of ITNs to vulnerable groups needs to be continuous and consistent.

SUBMITTER: Kimbi HK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4167508 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature