Ownership and Utilization of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLIN) and Factors Associated to Non-utilization Among Pregnant Women in Ho Municipality of Ghana

Type Journal Article - Central African Journal of Public Health
Title Ownership and Utilization of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLIN) and Factors Associated to Non-utilization Among Pregnant Women in Ho Municipality of Ghana
Author(s)
Volume 2
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2016
Page numbers 35-42
URL https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Isaac_Agbemafle2/publication/309665988???
Abstract
Background: Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting millions of people across the world
especially children under five years and pregnant women. As part of the preventive strategies to combat malaria in pregnant
women, free Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) are given to them at Antenatal Care (ANC) clinics. This study assessed the
ownership and utilization of LLINs and association between knowledge and utilization of LLINs among pregnant women in
the Ho Municipality. Methods: In March 2016, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in six ANC clinics in Ho the municipal
and regional capital of Volta Region. All six ANC clinics in the regional capital were included. Proportionate sampling was
used to determine subjects needed from each facility. All eligible pregnant women present at the time of visit to the facility
were conveniently used. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the
categorical data whilst t test was used for the quantitative variables. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to determine
the relationships and associations between the dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 355 pregnant women
with mean age 27.8 ± 5.5 years were interviewed. Ownership of LLIN was 81.4% while usage was 42.5%. Level of education
significantly influenced LLIN ownership (p=0.003) and utilization (0.020). The main barriers to LLIN utilization were
inconvenience due to heat (77.7%), lack of ownership of LLIN (12.9%) and absence of mosquitoes (4.3%). Knowledge on
LLINs was high (73%). Conclusion: Ownership of LLIN was high but utilization was very low. Over a quarter (27%) of the
pregnant women had moderate knowledge on LLINs. This if left unchecked can have negative consequences on the health of
these women and their unborn babies. Recommendations: Behaviour change communication strategies on LLIN use should be
further targeted to improve LLIN utilization among pregnant women.

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