TOPIC: ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING USE OF INSECTICIDE TREATED BED NETS; A STUDY AMONG CAREGIVERS OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN IFE

Introduction: Malaria is the leading cause of death in under-fives in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa where it is also responsible for about 20 per cent of all child deaths (WHO). Despite efforts at eradicating malaria through vector control, the burden of the disease is still looming in the town and villages of Nigeria. Aims/Objectives: • To assess knowledge of mothers of under-fives about malaria prevention. • To assess practices of mothers of under-fives in Ife towards ITN use. • To identify those factors that militates against the use of ITNs among caregivers of under-fives in south-west Nigeria. Methods: The study is a population-based cross-sectional probability sampling with the use of semi-structured questionnaires. Results: The survey revealed that 66.7% own ITNs while 33.3% did not. Among the population that own ITNs only 16.7% were using it every night while 53.7% were not using it at all. Education and correct knowledge about modes of malaria prevention was significantly associated with use of ITNs (p < 0.0001). Bivariate analysis showed that caregivers with poor knowledge were less likely to use ITNs despite household ownership (p < 0.0001). Level of education of the mother and occupation did not influence the use of ITN (p > 0.005). Association of non-use with misunderstandings persisted with logistic regression (Odds ratio 3.9; 95% CI: 1.836 to 8.436); it was also statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Misconceptions about the causes of malaria and its modes of prevention; perceived difficulties/discomfort with ITNs were grossly responsible for non-usage. Proper education/ orientation are needed to correct these notions