Non-Parental Child-Caregivers’ Utilization and Non-Utilization of Treated Mosquito Bed Nets in a Community on the Atlantic Ocean Coast of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate perception, ownership, use and defects in LLINs among non-parental caregivers in Iyaafin community on the Atlantic Ocean coastline of Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted between February-April 2014. Residences of 129 non-parental caregivers to children under the age of five years were surveyed, using a convenience sampling method. Semistructured, interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to gather data. NCSS21 statistical software was used for data analysis. Results: Use of “Mosquito coils” a smoky repellent, is what most (72.1%) respondents said was how this coastal community prevent malaria. Only 22 (17.1%; 10, 15.2% male, 12, 19.1% female) said sleeping under mosquito nets prevent malaria. Majority (114, 88.4%) of the respondents said that living in a clean environment is the best way that malaria can be prevented. Approximately half (49.6%) of surveyed households did not have any mosquito nets while only 21 (16.3%) households had 1 mosquito net. Conclusions: Mosquito coil was the most common method of preventing malaria in the community of study. Few people possessed Long Lasting mosquito nets or any other nets and fewer slept under mosquito nets, night before survey.