Abstract
Malaria is hyper-endemic in Somalia and remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially vulnerable groups such as old people, pregnant women, and children under five years. The prevalence of the disease is the highest along the rivers, settlements in southern Somalia, with artificial water reservoirs, where there is a year-round transmission. About 80% of malaria cases in Somalia occur in the Shebelle and Juba river basins. Outside of the malaria-endemic areas, it is estimated that 87% of Somalia is at risk of being exposed to malaria epidemics. According to a recent KAP (knowledge, attitude, and practices) survey, less than 10% of the households have Insecticide-treated mosquito net. This cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the factors affecting utilization of Insecticide-treated net among households with children under 5 years in Hodan district. The study was all adult households (more than 18 yrs.) with five years. A total of 50 respondents were interviewed during the period of data collection. A structured questionnaire dealing with socio-demographic characteristics, household’s knowledge about the Insecticide-treated net and availability and ownership and uses of Insecticide-treated net were used as data collection instrument. Results were presented in frequency tables and graphics. The majority of respondents indicated that 30 out of 50 (60%) have Insecticide-treated mosquito net while 20 out of 50 (40%) do not have it. The main reason for those who do not have Insecticide-treated mosquito net they did not able to afford it. Knowledge about malaria and Insecticide-treated mosquito net importance, the majority of respondents (92%) believe that there is a great benefit to use Insecticide-treated mosquito net for a reason to protect them mosquito bites. 20 (40%) were primary education and they didn’t know the causes of malaria (38 out of 50, 76%). The households of the Hodan district need special attention to the utilization of Insecticide-treated mosquito net. Free provision of Insecticide-treated net awareness creation on the utilization of Insecticide-treated mosquito nets and participated in an income generates supremely important activities. This study demonstrated a wide gap between knowledge, Insecticide-treated mosquito net ownership, and Utilization among the household with children less than 5 years. Therefore, the suggested recommendations arising from this study are for effective case management and control efforts of malaria. One of the strongest weapons in the fight against malaria is the use of insecticide-treated mosquito net while sleeping.
Highlights
Malaria is an infectious disease that infects millions of people on the global annually
This study demonstrated a wide gap between knowledge, Insecticide-treated mosquito net ownership, and Utilization among the household with children less than 5 years
We present factors related to Insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) use among children younger than 5 within ITN-owning households to isolate factors aside from access to an ITN influencing use
Summary
Malaria is an infectious disease that infects millions of people on the global annually. The disease may be a global ill health, which affects mainly young children especially those but five years aged. The most dangerous and common malaria parasite is the plasmodium falciparum [5] [6]. It is believed that the Anopheles mosquito feeds in the night and mainly between 10.00 pm and 4.00 a.m. and this is peculiar to Africa [7]. It could be the reforest aid that if people are made aware of the eating habit of the Anopheles mosquito and the use of the insecticide-treated net is promoted; the rate of malaria infection will reduce to an appreciable level [8]
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