Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets by the Under-Five-Years Children and Pregnant Women in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

A study has been carried out to determine the utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) by the under five years and pregnant women in the Calabar Metropolis. 34 item structured questionnaires was the instrument for data collection. The study population consisted of 440 households. The sampling technique used was multi-stage technique. Results from the study showed that under five years utilization of Insecticide Treated bed nets was 49.12%. About 55% of pregnant women in the study area utilized Insecticide Treated bed nets. Overall utilization of Insecticide Treated bed nets in the study area was 40.68%. Sources of Insecticides Treated bed nets distribution to pregnant women in the study area were ante -natal clinic 59.52%, NGO 20.24% and self purchase 20.24%. There is a need to scale-up ITNs distribution, if the targets of the World Health Organization general assembly target of zero death from malaria and complete eradication of malaria in 2030 have to be achieved, and 60% coverage of the use of insecticide treated bed nets by 2015.

Keywords: Malaria, Mosquitoes, Pregnant women, Under-five-years.