Abstract

Runsewe-Abiodun, Iyabo T and Runsewe Olugbenga O

Malaria remains the leading health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women are the main adult group at risk of significant morbidity and mortality from this disease. A three pronged approach was advocated for its control amongst pregnant women, one of which was use of ITN as it has been found to offer protection against the morbidity arising from malaria in pregnancy. This study sets out to determine the attitude and practice of pregnant women in this area to this important protective tool. Semi-closed ended questionnaires were administered on pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at first contact over a period of three months. The questions were on their attitude and practice to bed nets in general and Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) in particular. Over ninety percent of the study population had one form of mosquito-net at home. However, bed net possession in the study population was 16.9% and 14.8% for Insecticide treated nets. Only 10.4% of those who had ITNs slept on them the night before. Giving it free was the main reason that could compel the respondents to use ITNs. More than two-thirds (66.1%) of them were however willing to buy the ITNs at an unspecified cost. Lack of access to information, non-availability, frequent power outages and hot weather were identified as reasons for non-possession and use of ITNs among the women. While education, marital status and awareness have significant relationship with attitude (p value=0.000), only awareness and marital status have significant relationship with practice. It is suggested that government should step up its efforts at improving the awareness of the benefits of ITNs use and make it more available and affordable for the populace. Subsidized cost as opposed to outright free distribution accompanied by participatory approach is likely to ensure sustainability of the process and likelihood that the nets will be retained and effectively used in the community. Early and regular use of ITNs in pregnancy should be a part of the Health education in the antenatal and infant welfare clinics.