Impact of Treated Nets in the Control of Malaria in Avutu and Umuariam Communities in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

To assess the impact of treated net in the control of malaria, a community based cross sectional study was conducted in two communities (Avutu and Umuariam) in Obowo Local Government Area Imo State Nigeria between January and September 2017. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) was used to determine malaria status complemented with structured questionnaire and focal group discussion. Findings from this study showed that malaria is still a public health problem in the area with a prevalence of 22.6% among 83.0% net owners. Non ITN users had significantly higher prevalence than users (85.2% versus 14.7%). Males and females who don’t use use ITN 47.95 versus 38.2% had significantly higher prevalence than users (10.2% versus 4.4%) (P<0.05). Among age group, 41-50 years, non users (17.6% versus 16.1%) had higher prevalence of malaria then ITN users (4.4% and 10.4%). Though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Among occupations, Farmers/Traders had higher malaria prevalence, Ownership and usage of ITN (85.2%, 39.7% and 5.8%) though no significant difference (P>0.05). More than 50% of the participants agreed that ITNs prevents mosquito, reduce malaria, prevent other diseases and other insects. Efforts should be made by relevant stake holders to increase ownership and usage of ITNs in order to reduce Malaria through radio jingles, social marketing, health education in clinics and hospitals.