Assessing the utilization of insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets and people’s attitude towards Indoor Residual Spraying in highly endemic Namutumba District in Eastern Uganda
Assessing the utilization of insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets and people's attitude towards Indoor Residual Spraying in highly endemic Namutumba District in Eastern Uganda Jonathan Nkalubo, Faridah Mugala Makerere University College of Health Sciences Corresponding author:nkalubo11@gmail.com, +256700117174 Problem statement: Nsinze Village in Namutumba district reports the highest cases of malaria in Namutumba district each year. During a community diagnosis done in June 2017, Malaria accounted for 83% of the disease burden for this village.
Background: Malaria is an entrenched global health challenge particularly in the sub-Saharan African countries. Uganda ranks as 6th among African countries with high malaria-related mortality rates. Uganda also has the world's highest malaria incidence, with a rate of 478 cases per 1,000 population per year. Insecticide-treated bed-nets have shown to reduce malaria cases by 50% and Indoor Residual Spraying by 40% countrywide. However, improper handling, human behavior and perception can diminish their effectiveness. We assessed community knowledge, attitudes, and practices on malaria prevention as well as acceptability to indoor residual spraying.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done. 36 households were chosen by simple random sampling. Interviewer administered questionnaires and observational checklists were used to gather information. Key informant interviews with local leaders and district health officials were conducted and records for coverage of ITN distribution and IRS were reviewed. Results: Of the 36 households, 56% of respondents associated the disease with mosquito bites. Bed nets were used by 42% and usage was significantly associated with education level. The level of bed net ownership was 77.3%. The rest used them for other purposes. Most respondents (80%) agreed with indoor residual spraying of insecticides.
Conclusion: It is therefore imperative that special education on prevention of malaria should be intensified by the National Malaria Control Programme in all the regions in order to reduce malaria prevalence.
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