Ann Infect Dis Epidemiol | Volume 6, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Dynamics of Household Ownership, Usage and Washing Pattern of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Three Rural Communities in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria

Adeneye AK1*, Adeogun AO1, Aina OO2, Ajibaye O2, Orok AB2, Oparaugo CT2, Akindele SK2, Akinyele MO2, Olukosi YA2, Olakiigbe AK3 and Awolola TS1

1Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Nigeria 2Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Nigeria 3Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Nigeria

*Correspondance to: Adeneye AK 

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Abstract

Introduction: Long-lasting efficacy of LLINs can be compromised by use and washing habits. We therefore investigated the use and washing pattern of LLIN in Ikorodu area of Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A quasi-experimental study of randomly selected and consented 310 and 240 mothers of children under 10 years pre- and post-intervention respectively was conducted using household survey semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Of 550 respondents interviewed in the two phases, 192 (34.9% [35.8% pre-intervention vs. 33.7% post-intervention)] lived in one-room apartments. Their ages ranged from 19 to 73 years (mean: 42.4 years vs. 39.9 years). Most (55.6%) had minimum of secondary education and were traders (26.5%). In pre- and post-intervention, 92.3% and 95.8% correctly knew mosquito bite as the transmission route of malaria. Only 67.4% and 50.0% owned LLINs pre- and post-intervention respectively. In contrast, 57.4% and 40.8% actually used LLINs same period respectively. Reasons for LLIN non-use included: “it’s hotter to sleep under LLIN” (10.6% vs. 18.9%). LLIN washing reduced (35.5% to 30.8%) with increased use of mild soaps (38.2% vs. 100.0%) compared to harsh soaps (81.8% vs. 0.0%). None (0.0%) of the respondents washed their LLINs more than recommended 5 times a year post-intervention compared to 68.2% pre-intervention. LLIN ownership and use were not significantly determined by respondents’ locality, age, education and housing structure postintervention (p>0.05) unlike pre-intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results showed low LLIN use despite high levels of knowledge of mosquito bites being the source through which malaria spreads in populations studied. Health education on LLIN use and consequences of washing habits on LLIN long-lasting efficacy need be intensified in the communities, emphasizing LLIN benefits and how to appropriately wash it for effective malaria prevention. This is important if malaria elimination is to be realized in Lagos and Nigeria in general.

Keywords:

Ownership; Washing pattern; LLIN; Household; Rural community; Nigeria

Citation:

Adeneye AK, Adeogun AO, Aina OO, Ajibaye O, Orok AB, Oparaugo CT, et al. Dynamics of Household Ownership, Usage and Washing Pattern of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Three Rural Communities in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Ann Infect Dis Epidemiol. 2021; 6(1): 1065.

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