Submission ID 130231
| Issue/Objective | To assess ITN utilization following the 2024 mass distribution campaign in the Fodome community and identify socio-demographic, behavioural, and structural determinants influencing use. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 931 households (621 ITN-recipient and 310 non-recipient households). Systematic sampling was used for recipient households, while neighbourhood-matched sampling was used for non-recipients. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. ITN use (slept under an ITN the previous night) was the primary outcome. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals. |
| Results | Overall, ITN use was low (33.4%), with significantly higher use among ITN-recipient households compared to non-recipients (45.3% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.001). ITN receipt was the strongest predictor of use (aOR = 9.12; 95% CI: 5.49-15.13). Households with ≥3 sleeping spaces had increased odds of ITN use (aOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.66-4.05), while household heads aged ≥50 years had lower odds of use (aOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.17-0.59). Key barriers identified included heat discomfort (aOR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.97) and preference for alternative malaria prevention methods (aOR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.17-0.65). Despite high malaria knowledge levels, positive attitudes toward ITN use were low, indicating a knowledge-practice gap. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | While ITN distribution significantly improves ownership and use, it does not guarantee utilization. Addressing behavioural and structural barriers particularly thermal discomfort and competing prevention preferences is essential to improve sustained use. Enhancing ITN utilization can reduce malaria-related morbidity, lower healthcare expenditure, and improve productivity, thereby contributing to economic development in malaria-endemic communities. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Oscar Barnabas Kwame Anumu UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCINCES GHANA Oscar Barnabas Kwame Anumu University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho Frank Baiden University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho Oscar Barnabas Kwame Anumu University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho |
