Determinants of Ownership, Handling and Maintenance, and Effective Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Nets in Fufore and Yola North Local Government Areas, Northeastern Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1014-5745Keywords:
Malaria, Insecticide-Treated Nets, ITN Ownership, ITN Utilization, Determinants, NigeriaAbstract
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) reduce transmission, but gaps persist between ownership and use. Objective:This study assessed determinants of ITN ownership, household management, and effective utilization in Fufore and Yola North LGAs, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2025 among 400 consenting household representatives (Yola North: n=267; Fufore: n=133) using multistage sampling. Data were collected via pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression identified determinants (p<0.05). Results: ITN ownership was 61.0% (Yola North) and 73.7% (Fufore). Community distribution was the main source (46.4% vs. 66.2%). Nightly use was higher in Fufore (45.9%) than Yola North (23.6%). Ownership was associated with residence in Yola North (AOR=1.78; 95% CI:1.10–2.88) and community distribution (AOR=1.80; 95% CI:1.05–3.08). Nightly use was higher among females (AOR=1.55; 95% CI:1.00–2.40) and Yola North residents (AOR=1.60; 95% CI:1.05–2.45). Consistent use among owners was influenced by higher education (AOR=1.75), regular washing (AOR=2.05), perceived reduction in mosquito bites (AOR=2.35), and use by women and children (AOR=1.80). Conclusion: Community distribution improves ownership, but consistent use requires addressing behavioral factors, net care, and perceived effectiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amos Nabinoshi Farisa, Chessed Godly, Qadeer Muhammad Abdul, Jepson Morris, Lynna Ibrahim Daddah, Hauwa Ahmed, Jacob Pwafuradi, Abdulrashid, Victor Vincent
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
