Abstract

The use of long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLITN) is an evidence-based approach to reducing malaria transmission and burden. This study was aimed at evaluating the factors responsible for the low usage of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ughelli North, Delta State, Nigeria. This study was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study of 413 pregnant women conducted using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The participants were recruited using the non-probability convenience sampling method. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between variables and LLITN usage while multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine the significant predictors of LLITN utilization. Most of the respondents had at least secondary education (92%). More than 50% of the participants were self-employed, multiparous, earned less than the minimum wage and lived in urban areas. Most of the respondents (81.4%) own a LLITN and had used it at least once in their current pregnancy (78.5%). However, only a few (36.1%) use it daily. The main reason for not using the LLITN was heat (65.2%). The place of residence – living in a rural area (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 4.15; 95% CI 2.07-8.34), being multiparous (AOR: 4.09; 95% CI 1.71-9.76) and earning above the national minimum wage (AOR: 2.11; 95% CI 1.17-3.82) were found to be the significant determinants for the daily usage of the LLITN. Aside from increasing the distribution of free LLITNs to pregnant women, there is a need for policies that will promote its daily usage.