Knowledge, Ownership And Utilization Of Insecticide Treated Nets During Pregnancy Among Mothers In An Urban Slum In Lagos

Background: Malaria still remains a major public health problem in Nigeria and many other countries in Africa. It has negative  outcomes particularly on the poor, children and pregnant women. Malaria in pregnancy is a major cause of infant and maternal  mortality. Insecticide treated nets have been found to reduce malaria transmission.Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, ownership and the utilization of insecticide treated nets in Ilaje community, a peri- urban slum community in Bariga Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Nigeria.Methods: The study was a descriptive cross sectional study among mothers aged 15-49 years who reside in Ilaje. A total of 304 mothers were recruited using multistage sampling. Data was collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaires.Results: Almost all the respondents (99.7%) were aware of malaria, while 92.8% were aware of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and 96.4% knew that ITNs prevent malaria in pregnancy. Ownership of insecticide treated nets during pregnancy was reported by 65.5% and 57.2% utilized insecticide treated nets during pregnancy. Utilization of ITNs was significantly higher among the educated (p <0.05).Conclusion: The respondents in this study had high awareness of malaria (99.7%) and ITNS (92.8%). However ownership and utilization of ITNS during pregnancy was low (57.2%) This utilization level was 22.8% below the World Health Organization (WHO) target of universal coverage of 80% by 2015. Further distribution of ITNS during ANC and health education in the community is recommended to improve their knowledge, ownership and utilization