PERCEPTION, ACCEPTANCE, OWNERSHIP AND USE OF INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINICS IN PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN IFAKO-IJAIYE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: The use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets is a practical and valid tool for the prevention of malaria globally and is a key intervention among pregnant women in Nigeria. There is a lack of data about ownership and use of these nets in women receiving antenatal care at private clinics. This study was conducted to assess the perception, acceptance, ownership and use of insecticide treated nets (nets) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in private hospitals in Ifako-Ijaiye local Government Area of Lagos State.

Methodology: The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. Based on the calculated sample size, 420 pregnant women aged 18-49 years were selected via multi-stage sampling from 15 private hospitals in Ifako-Ijaiye local government area in 2022. Data was collected using a self- administered questionnaire. Univariate and bivariate analysis were conducted and chi-square test was used to test for association between categorical variables.

Results: Over half of the respondents (53.8%), had a positive perception of net usage. However, a large proportion of the respondents (78%) were willing to accept the nets if given for free. A third of respondents (33%), owned a net and 68.6% of these used the nets. The most common reason for not using a net even when in the possession of respondents was that the net was worn out (63.6%). Respondents’ level of education (p= 0.039) and occupation (p= 0.000) were significantly associated with the utilization of nets.

Conclusion: Insecticide treated net ownership and utilization is still low in Lagos, frequent and free distribution of nets with education and empowerment of women are recommended to improve the situation.