Abstract
IntroductionMalaria is the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality among displaced populations especially children in endemic countries. Nigeria, an endemic country, has had increase in internally displaced persons (IDP) due to insurgency. utilization of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) is a key strategy employed to achieve global targets of malaria elimination and its effectiveness is determined by utilization, coverage and maintenance. We determined the coverage and utilization of LLIN among children aged 6-59 months at IDP camps and its predictors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6-59 months at the three IDP camps in Abuja. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, LLIN ownership and utilization using computer-aided interview, complemented by direct observation of nets. We defined universal LLIN coverage as the proportion of households with one LLIN to two persons and utilization as an eligible child sleeping under the LLIN the night preceeding the survey. Bivariate analysis was done at p < 0.25 and logistic regression at 5% level of significance.ResultsOverall, 393 children were enrolled with mean age of 33.3 ± 17.4 months, 51.6% were female. Household LLIN ownership was 76.7.5%, universal coverage 11.2% and utilization 89.7%. Independent predictors of LLIN utilization were LLIN hung at sleeping area (adjusted OR: 99.9, CI: 22.7 – 438.8) and type of camp site (adjusted OR: 8.2, CI: 2.5 – 27.4).ConclusionLLIN utilization was high in these IDP camps despite low coverage. LLIN distribution and hanging campaigns are recommended to reduce malaria transmission in the IDP camps.
Highlights
Malaria is the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality among displaced populations especially children in endemic countries
We found that of those 290 children 6-59 months in households that owned long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN), utilization was 89.7% as 260 children slept under an LLIN the night before the survey (Table 2)
Ownership and utilization of LLIN within the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Abuja were high, emphasis should be on improving the low coverage rate which may affect effectiveness of LLIN in malaria prevention
Summary
Malaria is the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality among displaced populations especially children in endemic countries. An endemic country, has had increase in internally displaced persons (IDP) due to insurgency. We determined the coverage and utilization of LLIN among children aged 6-59 months at IDP camps and its predictors. Conclusion: LLIN utilization was high in these IDP camps despite low coverage. Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounted for more than one third of the malaria attributable deaths globally [1,2]. Both countries are endemic for malaria, and suffer from conflict and violence resulting in displacement of thousands of people [3,4]. Nigeria has been categorised among countries which may suffer from protracted conflict and strife [3]
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