| Popis: |
BackgroundThe National Malaria Strategic Plan for Malaria Control in Nigeria conducted an intervention package to reduce malaria-related mortality by 50% by the year 2020, by ensuring that at least 80% of the targeted populations utilize appropriate preventive measures. This study was aimed at reviewing the success of insecticide treated net (ITN) malaria control efforts and understanding the failures and the need to boost up the intervention measures.MethodsThe research design used for this study was the descriptive method. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 318 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. ResultsAmongst the respondents, 180 (56.6%) owned an ITN while 138 (43.4%) did not. A greater percentage (72.9%) of those who had positive attitude resulting in usage of ITNs purchased their nets themselves, only 8.4% of mothers who received their ITNs free of charge used the net, (P=0.159). Dislike of usage by spouses (63.3%), hot weather discomfort (17.8%) and forgetfulness (17.2%) were some of the factors that contributed to failures of net usage by the pregnant women. Conclusion Cost Free distribution of ITN did not necessarily improve usage. Rather, success of this strategy will require carrying out more awareness campaign. |
