INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS UTILIZATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN WITH UNDER FIVE CHILDREN iN KENNA DISTRICT

Abstract

Background: One of the most serious global public health challenges, including in sub-Saharan Africa, is malaria in pregnant women and children under five. The use of ITNs, which are pretreated with insecticides, is one of the main malaria prevention measures. Previous studies did not adequately address the health belief and behavior-related correlates of ITN using a health belief model (HBM) in a district. Therefore, this study was aimed to assessing the magnitude and associated factors of ITN utilization among pregnant women and under-five children in Kenna district, southern Ethiopia, in 2022. Objectives; to assess the utilization of insecticide treated bed nets and associated factors among pregnant women and under five children in rural kebeles of Kenna district, Konso Zone, Southern Ethiopia, from March–July 2022. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Kenna district from March to July /2022. A total of 636 eligible participants were included in the study. A proportional sample size was allocated according to the number of kebeles, and 4 kebeles were selected randomly from the 10 rural kebeles in the district. All pregnant women and under five children in the selected kebeles were taken as the study population. The data was collected using face to face interview. Epi-data version 3.1.2.7 was used to enter data, which was then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. The binary logistic regression model was fitted and level of significance was declared based on AOR with its 95% CI and p-value 0.05. Result; The prevalence of ITN use was 36.7%(95% CI: 32.9, 40.6), and it was independently predicted by the good intention (AOR=1.481%, 95% CI: (1.019-2.155) P=0.040),corrugated roof, (AOR= 1.883%,95%CI:(1.311-2.705)P=0.001), Family member affected by malaria (AOR= 2.300%,95% CI:(1.592-3.321)P<.0001). Normal ITN status (AOR=2.624, 95%CI (1.699-4.053)P<.0001). Conclusion and recommendations: According to the finding of this study prevalence of ITN utilization was 36.7% indicating that the usage of ITNs was low in the study area when compered to the national target. Intention to ITN utilization, roof of house, Family member affected by malaria and ITN status were significantly associated with ITN utilization. So Maternal education, improving home preparation, and clearing up misunderstandings regarding malaria and ITN in the community through IEC and BCC would increase ITN usage in a district. Key words: ITN utilization, pregnant women, under five children, kena district.