Effective use of Insecticides Treated Nets (ITNs) in the Prevention of Malaria among Pregnant women in Sagnarigu Municipality

Abstract

Introduction: Insecticide Treated-Nets (ITN) manufactured from treated mosquitos has shown to be less costly while still offering effective malaria protection. Ghana is still working to achieve universal ITN coverage (defined as use by 80% or more of the population in an endemic region) in order to provide the best possible protection. The main objective of this study is to assess the effective use of Insecticides Treated Nets (ITNs) in the prevention of malaria among pregnant women in Sagnarigu Municipality.

Methods: The study was conducted in the Sagnarigu Municipal using the descriptive cross-sectional methods. A total of 362 pregnant women were interviewed using the closed-ended and open-ended questionnaire. The study participants were recruited using a simple random sampling method. All statistics were performed at 95% confidence level and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Most (39.0%) of the respondents were within the ages of 20 and 29 years, majority (86.2%) of the pregnant women were married. Almost all respondents (91.2%) have heard about mosquito bed nets. The majority (93.6%) of the respondents stated that ITN could be obtained via health facilities, majority of them (84.3%) dried their ITN in the shade before using them. On whether ITNs can be retreated, 86.7% agreed. The majority of the study participants (95.0%) own a mosquito bed net. About 75.0% of pregnant women used ITNs. The study revealed a significant association between age and utilization of ITNs (X²=36.95, p<0.001). Also, education was found to be associated with IT

Ns (X²=14.97, p=0.002). The study revealed a statistically significant association between utilization of ITNs and Religion (X²=37.69, P<0.001), employment status (X²=17.14, p<0.001), ethnicity (X2=88.27, p<0.001) and average monthly income (X²=29.31, p<0.001).

Conclusion: There is high awareness and knowledge about insecticide-treated mosquito Nets (ITNs). Though the majority of the study participants owned Insecticides Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs), this does not translate to effective utilization of ITNs. Also, the free distribution of ITNs was the major means most people obtain ITNs. Based on the findings of this study it was recommended alongside others that pregnant women should be continuously sensitized during ANC and child welfare clinics about the consequences of malaria in pregnancy and the benefits of ITNs for them as we as their unborn babies.