Factors that affect the usage of mosquito nets: a case study of Kigezi Sub-region

Abstract

Insecticide treated nets were distributed through antenatal facilities and over 22 million nets were given out in 2013 to control malaria. In 2017, a total of 24 million nets were to be distributed in the whole country. The aim of this study was to analyze factors that affect the usage of mosquito nets in Kigezi region. The study was a cross sectional study based on quantitative data collected during the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2016. A total of 2,268 household heads from Kigezi region were included in the study. The investigations were made by demographic and socio economic factors. The analysis was done using logistic regression model. The findings indicated that level of education where individuals who had completed postsecondary level of education had a significant impact on usage of mosquito nets (p=0.000). Individuals who had completed postsecondary level of education were more likely to use mosquito nets than those who had attained no education. Place of residence was statistically significant with the usage of mosquito nets (p=0.000) and individuals living in urban areas were more likely to use mosquito nets than those living in rural areas. Number of mosquito nets owned was statistically significant with usage of mosquito nets (p=0.000) and individuals from households that owned more than 1 mosquito net were more likely to sleep under mosquito nets than those who did not own any mosquito net. Access to information was statistically significant with the usage of mosquito nets (p=0.000) and individuals who had access to information were more likely to use mosquito nets than those who did not The study recommended improved communication on how to put mosquito nets to proper use through media that is easily accessed by the people such as radios, community health programs, to increase awareness among people on the importance of sleeping under mosquito nets hence improving usage of mosquito net