Factors Affecting Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets among People Living with HIV/Aids in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria and HIV are among the two most important global health problems of this time. All HIV-positive persons (PLHAs) in the household were encouraged to sleep under insecticide treated nets (ITNs) at all times of year. However, the information on utilization and associated factors on these groups have been limited. Objective: the aim of the study was to assess utilization of ITN and associated factors among PLHA, who are members of the three PLHA associations in Bahir City Administration, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May, 2013. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pre-tested and structured questionnaire and observation check list was used to collect the data. Each variable were analyzed by using bi variate logistic regression to know their significance and to assess the separate effects and multi variate analysis was done using backward stepwise logistic regression to control the possible confounding effect for variables with p-value <0.2 in bi variate analysis. Result: Three hundred four304 (76.8%) of PLHA utilized ITNs properly. The main reasons for those who had not have ITN and not utilized ITN were, they did not know where obtained the ITNs 20 (41.7%), ITNs were expensive 16 (33.3%), and no fear of mosquito bite at this time 60(65.2%). Knowledge about malaria risks and ITNs importance (AOR= 2.3; 95% CI 1.23- 4.40), formal education (AOR= 2.39; 95% CI 1.40- 4.08) and better income was significantly associated with ITN utilizations (AOR= 1.83; 95%CI 1.05- 3.20) Conclusion: The PLHA needs special attention on the utilization of ITN. Free provision of ITNs, awareness creation on the utilization of ITN and participate in Income generating activities are supreme important.