Background
The use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) is one of the main strategies of Roll Back Malaria
programme aimed to reduce malaria burden in Sub Saharan Africa.
Aim
The study aimed to assess the determinants of ITN utilisation among under five children in
Kenya.
Method
This was a secondary analysis of Kenya Demographic Health Survey (2014) data, which was a
cross sectional descriptive survey. Data was analysed from three regions in Kenya which were
Nyanza, Western and Coast. The study population was under five children who were residents in
the surveyed households. Multivariable analyses was used to establish the determinants of ITN
utilisation among under five children in Kenya.
Results
The prevalence of ITN utilisation among under five children was 63% which was below RBM
targets of 80% for ITN coverage and utilisation. The factors that were significantly associated
with ITN utilisation included: child’s age, respondent’s age, education level, religion, access to
radio, wealth index, house hold size and number of under five children in the house hold. These
factors were significant at 95% confidence interval.
Conclusion
The low prevalence of ITN utilisation identified in this study should be addressed through
redistribution of ITNs to households with no nets and with untreated nets. This should be
accompanied by behaviour change and communication messages to ensure effective utilisation
of ITNs. Social inequalities and poverty should be addressed since they are related to the
determinants of ITN utilisation.