Predictors of insecticidal net use among internally displaced persons aged 6-59 months in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Malaria is the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality among displaced populations especially children in endemic countries. Nigeria, an endemic country, has had increase in internally displaced persons (IDP) due to insurgency. Utilisation of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) is a key strategy employed to achieve global targets of malaria elimination and its effectiveness is determined by utilisation, coverage and maintenance. We determined the coverage and utilisation of LLIN among children aged 6, 59 months at IDP camps and its predictors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6-59 months at the three IDP camps in Abuja. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, LLIN ownership and utilization using computer-aided interview, complemented by direct observation of nets. We defined universal LLIN coverage as the proportion of households with one LLIN to two persons and utilisation as an eligible child sleeping under the LLIN the night preceding the survey. Bivariate analysis was done at p = 0.25 and logistic regression at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Overall, 393 children were enrolled with mean age of 33.3 , 17.4 months, 51.6% were female. Household LLIN ownership was 76.7.5%, universal coverage 11.2% and utilisation 89.7%. Independent predictors of LLIN utilisation were LLIN hung at sleeping area (adjusted OR: 99.9, CI: 22.7 , 438.8) and type of camp site (adjusted OR: 8.2, CI: 2.5 , 27.4). CONCLUSION: LLIN utilisation was high in these IDP camps despite low coverage. LLIN distribution and hanging campaigns are recommended to reduce malaria transmission in the IDP camps.

Keywords

• internally displaced persons
• long-lasting insecticidal nets
• child
• nigeria