The Bioscientist (May 2013)
Malaria Prevalence and Use of Insecticide-Treated Net among Community Members in Aguleri, Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
A study on malaria prevalence and use of Insecticide-treated nets (ITN) was carried out in Aguleri community of Anambra State from October 2011-March 2012. A two stage cluster sampling technique was used to select three villages and the individuals used for the study. Giemsa stained thick and thin blood samples of 327 individuals were examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Structured questionnaires to ascertain ownership and use of ITNs were administered to individuals sampled for malaria parasites. Malaria prevalence was found to be 67.0% (219/327) and all were infections with Plasmodium falciparum. Knowledge of existence of ITN among the sampled population was 100%, ownership 74.0% (242/ 327) and usage 26.9% (65/242). Malaria prevalence among ITN users and non-users was 44.6% (29/65) and 72.5% (190/262) respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). This result showed that ITN could be effective in the control of malaria even in the face of low level of usage.
