Assessment of Use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Among Medical Students in Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) Nigeria

Abstract

Authors: Prince Ezenwa Ndubueze Onyemachi, Akwuruoha, Emmanuel Maduabuchi, Okeh Happiness Emmanuel, Ibeh-Raymond Shalom, Odinakachi Agwu Umah Kalu, Ogbu Uchechwukwu Oji, Ndu-Agomuo Ihuoma Lois. Background: Malaria has remained one of the life-threatening diseases affecting Nigeria as a nation especially those living in malaria endemic region. The causative organism of malaria ii plasmodium and transmitted to man by infected female anopheles’ mosquito. The clinical features of malaria vary from mild to severe and complicated according to species of parasite present and the patient’s state of immunity. Students in this region are also prone to contracting the disease. Objective: To determine the use of indoor residual spraying (IRS) among medical students in Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. Methods and Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) among medical students of ABSU. The study involved both preclinical and clinical students. A Simple random sampling was used in selecting participants and data was obtained using self-administered questionnaires, analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0 and presented in form of tables. Association between the sociodemographic variables and level of usage of IRS were determined and statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Result: A total number 407 students and out which of 389 participated in this study with a response rate of 95.6% and mean age of 21.98±3.52 years, more students were in the range of 20-24, and the dominant tribe was Igbo (94.3%), more of males (50.6%) participated in this study and practice of was poor (31.9%). A high proportion of students (99.7%) had a good knowledge of malaria transmission and IRS. Conclusion: The study reported a high level of knowledge of malaria preventive measures but a poor practice to its utilization, thus a need for proper health education to improve usage of Indoor residual spraying.