Abstract

There have been reports on the positive association between Insecticide Treated Nets and malaria control. However, previous reports show that there are marked variations in factors affecting ownership and utilization of ITNs amongst different populations. It is in this light that this study on the ownership and use of insecticide treated nets in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria, was carried out. About 603 persons were examined for malaria parasites, 309(51.3%) were positive. Highest prevalence of malaria infection was recorded among males (56.6%) and among those aged group 20 – 44 years (35.3%). Malaria parasite prevalence was slightly higher (p>0.05) among non-users of ITNs compared with users. A total of 735 individuals were interviewed using structured questionnaires. About 431(58.6%) of the participants owned at least one ITN, 356(82.6%) hanged their nets and 359(48.8%) slept under their nets. Out of the currently used nets by the respondents, 37.1% were worn-out, while the remaining 62.9% were intact. Though more males (52.4%) possessed ITNs, rate of usage was slightly higher among the females (50.3%). Those aged 20 – 40years (34.6%) had the highest ITNs possession while aged group 5 – 19 years (34.8%) had the highest ITNs hanging and use (35.4%). It is concluded that there was high rate of hanging and use of ITNs but there is poor ownership in the study area, although the high prevalence of malaria in the area remains a great concern. It is recommended that more awareness should be created on the ownership and best practices for the hanging and use of Insecticide Treated Nets.