Assessment of the Use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets Among Households in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State
Abstract:
Malaria is a major public health challenge in Nigeria, as it remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, causing over 500,000 deaths annually among children under five and pregnant women in Nigeria. Long-lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) are among the most cost-effective measures to prevent the disease. Ensuring LLINs are affordable, accessible, and effectively utilised requires efficient distribution systems and continuous community engagement. Despite substantial human, material, and financial resources allocated to achieve universal LLIN coverage, distribution and utilisation still face major hurdles that hinder progress towards the World Health Organisation's recommendation of one LLIN for every two people. This research examines the distribution, ownership, and usage patterns of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, with a particular focus on coverage, access, and effective utilisation. The study was conducted in the Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were utilised. In the quantitative approach, 450 households were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire, while the qualitative approach involved in-depth interviews with key community resource persons. Results were analysed using SPSS software. The study was expected to last six months. Although mass distribution has been successful and LLIN ownership is high, actual use remains poor, with more than half of the distributed nets not utilised. This underscores the importance of continued community sensitisation and behaviour-change initiatives to promote the use of LLINs.References:
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