Abstract
Malaria is mostly endemic in tropical environments and has caused several still births and deaths particularly among children. Effective control of malaria infection reduces maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rate in pregnant women and children (0-5yrs). A promising strategy has been the utilization of insecticide treated nets among these groups of persons. A mixed method study was carried out in Ikot Omin community in Cross River State, Nigeria to authenticate the effectiveness of the net utilization. Four specific objectives were developed to guide the study. Data were elicited from 225 respondents through the use of structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 and thematic analysis methods respectively. The results showed that the prevalent harsh and dry weather condition was the major barrier to utilization of ITN in the community. A focused communication strategy to address this challenge has been suggested. The possibility of provision of steady light supply through the use of solar power in the homes by those who can afford it can be explored as a remedy for promoting consistent use of ITN by pregnant women and under five children in this community.
Highlights
Malaria is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria (Killeen et al, 2006; WHO, 2017)
It has been widely observed that malaria threatens the lives of more than 500 million Africans and exerts such enormous public health burden that has resulted in the continued under-development of the continent as a whole (Killeen et al, 2006; Desai et al, 2007; WHO, 2017)
The persistent endemic nature of malaria is attributed to climatic conditions which are ideal for breeding of the mosquitoes, though some degree of immunity is developed during the first decade of life
Summary
Malaria is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria (Killeen et al, 2006; WHO, 2017). The persistent endemic nature of malaria is attributed to climatic conditions which are ideal for breeding of the mosquitoes, though some degree of immunity is developed during the first decade of life Despite this immunity, manifested by a higher prevalence and intensity of parasitaemia (Mbonye et al, 2006), the use of insecticide (permethrin)-treated bed nets (ITNs) has proven to be an effective method of reducing malarial attack and mortality associated with this infection (Koudou et al, 2010; Mboera et al, 2007; Murphy and Breman, 2001; WHO, 2002). In western Kenya, it was discovered that an estimated 34.5 lives could be saved per 1,000 infants protected with insecticides treated bed nets (Alaii et al, 2003) These tremendous results could be attained in Nigeria if mothers effectively utilize the bed nets freely distributed to them by government
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