Abstract

Obisike Victor Ugochukwu*, Atsuwe Terese S. and Ibeh Bridget Ginikachi

ABSTRACT

Mosquito-borne diseases constitute a serious public health problem in Nigeria despite ongoing control efforts. The use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) has been proven to be an effective preventive tool in controlling malaria and other mosquito- and insect-borne diseases. However, LLIN ownership and utilization remain very low. This study assessed the ownership and utilization of LLINs in Nnemere Mpam Autonomous Community, Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A, Imo State.A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted, and a well-structured, self- and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Among the 262 households sampled, female respondents were the majority, accounting for 166 (63.5%). The most represented age group was 51 years and above, with 80 respondents (30.5%). The highest educational qualification was secondary school, with 187 respondents (71.4%).Regarding knowledge of LLINs, 259 respondents (98.9%) had heard about and were familiar with LLINs, while 3 (1.1%) had never heard of them. Despite this high awareness, only 21 households (8.0%) reported owning an LLIN, while 241 households (92.0%) did not. Furthermore, only 12 respondents (4.6%) reported regularly using LLINs. The study highlights a very low ownership and utilization of LLINs. The major barrier to ownership and usage, cited by 233 respondents (88.9%), was hot weather, while all respondents reported that LLINs had not been distributed in the community since the last free distribution. This underscores the need for continuous and sustained LLIN distribution by the government and non-governmental agencies to improve accessibility and utilization, as previous distributions were the primary means through which community members acquired LLINs.