Insecticide Treated bed Nets (ITNs) utilization and associated factors among pregnant mothers in Damot Pulasa district, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Pregnant mothers and under- five children are at considerable risk of malarial infection in Ethiopia. The distribution and proper utilization of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) is one of the effective interventions for preventing the death of pregnant mothers. In Ethiopia, despite the increasing availability of ITNs at household level, its utilization among pregnant mothers was unsatisfactory and the factors for this are not well understood.

Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Damot Pulasa district, Southern Ethiopia, in January 2016. Pregnant mothers (n ꞊ 630) were the study population. A multistage sampling technique was used. Villages were randomly selected and a systematic random sampling method was used to select study participants. Data was entered into EPI Info version 3.5.3 and exported into SPSS version 16.0 for analysis. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable, and finally multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of the outcome, with statistical significance set at p<0.050 (95% confidence interval (CI)).

Results: 72.5% (445) at 95% CI (72.1% - 73.6%) pregnant mothers slept under ITN the previous night before data collection. Maternal Education (AOR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2 - 0.5), maternal knowledge on malaria (AOR=6.9; 95% CI= 3.8 - 12.8) and ITN condition (AOR=9.3; 95% CI= 5.2 - 16.2) were independent predicators of ITNs utilization by pregnant women.

Conclusion: utilization of ITN by pregnant mothers is lower in the study area. A higher emphasis should be given by policy makers and program planners to reduce maternal death by education and follow of the proper and safe utilization of insecticide treated bed nets by pregnant mothers. Educating mothers and enhancing their decision-making power has a significant impact on improving ITN utilization and preventing malarial infection during pregnancy.

Key Words: Pregnant mothers, Malaria, Insecticide Treated Bed Nets, Ethiopia