Commodity utilization of malaria intervention and control tool: Access and utilization of long lasting insecticide net in rural communities of Imeko-Afon and Odeda local government area of Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Long lasting insecticide net (LLIN) is one of the major tools utilized in the control and prevention of malaria across all age groups. Aim: This study compared the accessibility and usage patterns of LLIN in rural communities of Odeda and Imeko-Afon local government areas (LGAs). Materials and Methods: Three villages were selected each from Odeda and Imeko-Afon LGAs using the simple random sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to the head of households, and personal information was collected from individual member of the family. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize important variables. Results: A total of 140 households participated in the study, 70 from each LGA. Of the households surveyed, 87.1% have LLIN in Imeko-Afon LGA and was significantly higher (P = 0.0000) compared to 60% in Odeda LGA (P = 0.000). However, 96.7% and 95.2% of households in Imeko-Afon and Odeda LGAs respectively acquired the LLIN free from the government. The utilization rate by househeads the night prior the study was 72.1% and 57.1% in Imeko-Afon and Odeda LGA respectively (P = 0.115). Of the total respondents, only 47.9% in Imeko-Afon and 32.4% in Odeda sleep under the net everyday (P = 0.000) and 22.9% and 62.1% respectively in both LGAs do not sleep under LLIN (P = 0.000). There was a significant difference (P = 0.000) in the number of respondents that sleep under LLIN every day between the two LGAs. Reason for not sleeping under net was majorly heat. Conclusion: There is a need for more awareness and health education on proper utilization and maintenance of LLIN to enhance the effectiveness of the net.