Factors Influencing the Utilisation of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNS) in Bungikikungwi Division - Central District, Zanzibar.

Abstract

Insecticide treated nets have been proven to reduce malaria transmission, morbidity and mortality rates of malaria in many high endemic countries. Many studies have shown that the use of ITNs is influenced by a number of factors in communities especially in African countries. The objective of this study was to determine factors that influencing ITNs utilization in Bungikikungwi division Central District of Zanzibar. This cross- sectional study was conducted in two villages within Bungikikunwi division from 18th -29th June 2012. The study employed two operational approaches. A qualitative survey was conducted using structured interview involved a total number of 382 respondents. Two focus group discussions were held, invited a total of twelve participants. FDG Guide was prepared in advanced to facilitate the discussion. A random sampling procedure was used to ensure equal representation of the survey subjects, and therefore 382 respondents were interviewed. Data analysis was done using SPSS window version 16.0. Chi square and correlation statistical analysis were used for both categorical and numerical data to measure association between variables. For qualitative data, purposive sampling method was used to select participants of which a recorder did write participants responses accordingly. A tape recorder was used also to collect information generated during the discussion for confirmation reason. The study findings disclose that the proportion of ITNs utilization among study population in the study area is high (95.8%). Community awareness on the utilization of ITNs as a tool for malaria prevention has also been very impressive (99.2%). Proportion of pregnant women who slept under the ITNs were extremely high (97.7%) in the study areas. There was no significant association between the occupational of head of households and ITNs utilization (P=0.879), source of income (P= 0.998), educational level of respondents (P=0.1442). Although the level of ITNs utilization is high in the study area, there is need of support provision on information, education and communication approach from different agents dealing with malaria preventive measures and to sustain the progress achieved.