Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Malaria and the Use of Insecticide-Treated Net among Rural Dwellers in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Ephraim Ibeabuchi Ezaka
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Adamawa State College Of Health Technology, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Mercy Nwakaego Ezeunala *
Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Idu, Abuja, Nigeria.
Obi Chidera Gabriel
Uwani Health Center, Uwani Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Nwankwo Precious Chinasa
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Babangida Buba
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Adamawa State College Of Health Technology, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Dashar Tangkat Moses
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Adamawa State College Of Health Technology, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Odoh Victor Chibueze
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Malaria continues to be a critical health issue globally with more cases from the WHO African region and has remained endemic in Nigeria despite the possession of insecticide-treated nets. This present study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding malaria and the use of ITNs as a malaria prevention strategy among rural dwellers in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A systematic questionnaire was used to get responses from a total of 304 households from January to March 2020 with only one adult interviewed per household. The respondents were the heads of the household. In their absence, a responsible adult above eighteen years, chosen by the family was interviewed. 99.3% (302) of the respondents agreed that malaria is caused as a result of a mosquito bite. The majority (90.8%) of them also agreed that ITN prevents mosquito bites, while 86.8% of them had ITNs. The study participants identified Fever (82.2%) and Headache (33.9%) as the most common evidence of malaria. Our study participants applied various preventive measures against mosquito bites such as the use of ITNs (86.5%), clearing breeding sites around their homes (28.3%), use of insecticidal sprays (18.8%), and wearing protective clothing’s (6.9%). This study has shown that respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards malaria and ITN, and also employed various measures to reduce the prevalence of malaria in the area.
Keywords: Malaria, mosquitoes, knowledge, attitude, practices, insecticide-treated nets, mubi, Nigeria.