Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Malaria and the Use of Insecticide-Treated Net among Rural Dwellers in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria continues to be a critical health issue globally with more cases from the WHO African region and has remained endemic in Nigeria despite the possession of insecticide-treated nets. This present study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding malaria and the use of ITNs as a malaria prevention strategy among rural dwellers in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A systematic questionnaire was used to get responses from a total of 304 households from January to March 2020 with only one adult interviewed per household. The respondents were the heads of the household. In their absence, a responsible adult above eighteen years, chosen by the family was interviewed. 99.3% (302) of the respondents agreed that malaria is caused as a result of a mosquito bite. The majority (90.8%) of them also agreed that ITN prevents mosquito bites, while 86.8% of them had ITNs. The study participants identified Fever (82.2%) and Headache (33.9%) as the most common evidence of malaria. Our study participants applied various preventive measures against mosquito bites such as the use of ITNs (86.5%), clearing breeding sites around their homes (28.3%), use of insecticidal sprays (18.8%), and wearing protective clothing’s (6.9%). This study has shown that respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards malaria and ITN, and also employed various measures to reduce the prevalence of malaria in the area.