Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets and Malaria Prevention: A Study of Women in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria
- Yusuf Funsho Issa1, Olaolu Oyinlola Bilewu2, Sulyman Bolakale Saka3, Oyeniyi Rasheed Muhammed4, Oluwaseunayo Deborah Ayando5, Elisha Taye Ige6
- DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19557857
- ISA Journal of Medical Sciences (ISAJMS)
Background: Malaria remains a significant public health
challenge in Africa, imposing substantial burdens on both health and economic
productivity. Women of reproductive age are particularly susceptible to malaria
infection due to immunological changes during pregnancy, which increase the
risk of severe malaria, maternal anemia, and mortality.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and
utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed-nets (LLINs) among women of
reproductive age in selected communities in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara
State, Nigeria.
Methods: This study utilized a descriptive
cross-sectional design to assess knowledge, attitude, and utilization of LLINs
among women of reproductive age in selected communities within Asa Local
Government Area, Kwara State. A multistage sampling technique was applied to
select 360 women of reproductive age, and data were collected using a
pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was
performed with SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize
frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square tests examined associations
between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The results showed that most respondents
knew LLINs prevent malaria (84.7%), kill mosquitoes (80.3%), and require
nightly use (72.5%). There was a positive attitude towards LLINs as the
majority (81.7%) agreed to their importance for family health. A good
utilization was also noted as 70.8% used LLINs nightly and 61.9% for children.
Age, education, occupation, and number of children influenced knowledge and
utilization (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: While awareness of LLINs is widespread in
Asa LGA, actual usage is still influenced by a combination of personal,
economic, and infrastructural factors. Gaps in utilization and seasonal use
attitude highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve LLIN use and
malaria prevention in the study area. There is a need for sustained health
education and enhanced distribution of insecticide-treated bed-nets to overcome
usage barriers.
Keywords: Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Bed-Nets, Women of Reproductive Age, Knowledge, Asa LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria.
