Long Lasting Insecticide-treated Bed Net Ownership, Utilization and Associated Factors Among School-age Children in Dara Mallo and Uba Debretsehay Districts, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Malaria is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among school-aged children (SAC) in Sub-Saharan Africa. SAC account for more than 60% of the reservoir of malaria transmission, but they were given less emphasis on prioritizing malaria prevention interventions. This study was aimed at assessing the ownership of bed nets, its utilization and factors associated with ownership of bed nets by households and bed net utilization among SAC in malaria prone areas of Dara Mallo and Uba Debretsehay districts in Southern Ethiopia, October to December 2019. Methods This study is part of baseline assessment in a cluster randomized controlled trial. The data were collected through interview and observation following structured questionnaire from 2261 SAC households. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the association between bed net ownership or utilization and potential predictor variables. Odds Ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were used to determine the strength and statistical significance of association. Results The ownership of at least one bed net by households of SAC was about 19.3% (95% CI: 17.7%-21.0%). It was affected by living in altitude ranged from 1100 to 1250 meters above sea level with Adjusted OR (AOR) of 0.5 (95%CI: 0.3–0.9) and presence of child age less than 5 years (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.2–3.7). About 7.8% (95% CI: 6.7%-10.0%) of all SAC participated in the study and 40.4% (95% CI: 57.4% − 66.7%) of children in households owning at bed net passed the previous night under bed net. Bed net utilization by SAC conditional to its presence was lower among children age > 9 years (AOR = 0.2; 95%CI: 0.03–0.8); higher in children with mothers who had an education level above grade six (AOR = 5.2; 95%CI: 1.8–17.0); and when the household size to bed net ratio was ≤ 2 (AOR = 37.8; 95%CI: 4.1–1106). Conclusion Ownership of bed net was lower than universal coverage of at least one bed net for two individuals. It is important to monitor replacement needs and educate mothers with low education level and their SAC on the benefit of consistent utilization of bed nets.

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Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net ownership, utilization and associated factors among school-age children in Dara Mallo and Uba Debretsehay districts, Southern Ethiopia

10.21203/rs.3.rs-46180/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zerihun Zerdo ◽

Hilde Bastiaens ◽

Sibyl Anthierens ◽

Fekadu Massebo ◽

Matios Masine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Household Head ◽

Education Level ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

School Age Children ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Bed Net ◽

School Age

Abstract Background Malaria is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among school-age children (SAC) in sub-Saharan Africa. SAC account for more than 60% of the reservoir of malaria transmission, but they are given less emphasis in prioritizing malaria prevention interventions. This study was aimed at assessing the ownership of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets (LLINs), its utilization and factors associated with ownership of LLINs by households and LLINs utilization among SAC in malaria-prone areas of Dara Mallo and Uba Debretsehay districts in Southern Ethiopia, October to December 2019. Methods This study is part of a baseline assessment in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. The data was collected through interview and observation, following a structured questionnaire, of 2,261 SAC households. Univariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regressions were used to assess the association between LLINs ownership and utilization and potential predictor variables. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength and statistical significance of association.Results The ownership of at least one LLIN by households of SAC was about 19.3% (95% CI: 17.7-21.0%) but only 10.3% % (95% CI: 7.7-13.7%) of these households had adequate access of bed nets to the household members. Ownership of bed net was marginally affected by living in semi-urban area (adjusted OR= 2.6; 95% CI: 1.0-6.9) and occupational status of the household head being a civil servant (adjusted OR= 2.7; 95% CI: 0.9-7.9). About 7.8% (95% CI: 6.7-10.0%) of all SAC participated in the study and 40.4% (95% CI: 57.4-66.7%) of children in households owning at least one LLIN passed the previous night under LLIN. LLIN utilization by SAC conditional to presence of at least one net in the household was significantly correlated with education level of mother above grade 6 (adjusted OR= 3.4; 95% CI: 1.3-9.3) and the household size to bed net ratio less than or equal to 2 (adjusted OR= 20.7; 95% CI: 4.7-132.5). Conclusion Ownership of bed net was lower than universal coverage of at least one bed net for two individuals. It is important to monitor replacement needs and educate mothers with low education level with their SAC on the benefit of consistent utilization of bed nets.

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Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net ownership, utilization and associated factors among school-age children in Dara Mallo and Uba Debretsehay districts, Southern Ethiopia

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-020-03437-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zerihun Zerdo ◽

Hilde Bastiaens ◽

Sibyl Anthierens ◽

Fekadu Massebo ◽

Matewos Masne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Household Head ◽

Education Level ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

School Age Children ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Bed Net ◽

School Age

Abstract Background Malaria is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among school-age children (SAC) in sub-Saharan Africa. SAC account for more than 60% of the reservoir of malaria transmission, but they are given less emphasis in prioritizing malaria prevention interventions. This study was aimed at assessing the ownership of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets (LLINs), its utilization and factors associated with ownership of LLINs by households and LLINs utilization among SAC in malaria-prone areas of Dara Mallo and Uba Debretsehay districts in Southern Ethiopia, October to December 2019. Methods This study is part of a baseline assessment in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. The data was collected through interview and observation, following a structured questionnaire, of 2261 SAC households. Univariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regressions were used to assess the association between LLINs ownership and utilization and potential predictor variables. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength and statistical significance of association. Results The ownership of at least one LLIN by households of SAC was about 19.3% (95% CI 17.7–21.0%) but only 10.3% % (95% CI 7.7–13.7%) of these households had adequate access of bed nets to the household members. Ownership of bed net was marginally affected by living in semi-urban area (adjusted OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.0–6.9) and occupational status of the household head being a civil servant (adjusted OR = 2.7; 95% CI 0.9–7.9). About 7.8% (95% CI 6.7–10.0%) of all SAC participated in the study and 40.4% (95% CI 57.4–66.7%) of children in households owning at least one LLIN passed the previous night under LLIN. LLIN utilization by SAC conditional to presence of at least one net in the household was significantly correlated with education level of mother above grade 6 (adjusted OR = 3.4; 95% CI 1.3–9.3) and the household size to bed net ratio less than or equal to 2 (adjusted OR = 20.7; 95% CI 4.7–132.5). Conclusion Ownership of bed net was lower than universal coverage of at least one bed net for two individuals. It is important to monitor replacement needs and educate mothers with low education level with their SAC on the benefit of consistent utilization of bed nets.

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A minimal 3D model of mosquito flight behaviour around the human baited bed net

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-020-03546-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jeff Jones ◽

Gregory P D Murray ◽

Philip J McCall

Keyword(s):

Spatial Scales ◽

Video Tracking ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Bed Nets ◽

State Transitions ◽

Bed Net ◽

Flight Behaviour ◽

Individual Agent ◽

Host Seeking ◽

Mosquito Behaviour

Abstract Background Advances in digitized video-tracking and behavioural analysis have enabled accurate recording and quantification of mosquito flight and host-seeking behaviours, facilitating development of individual (agent) based models at much finer spatial scales than previously possible. Methods Quantified behavioural parameters were used to create a novel virtual testing model, capable of accurately simulating indoor flight behaviour by a virtual population of host-seeking mosquitoes as they interact with and respond to simulated stimuli from a human-occupied bed net. The model is described, including base mosquito behaviour, state transitions, environmental representation and host stimulus representation. Results In the absence of a bed net and human host bait, flight distribution of the model population was relatively uniform throughout the arena. Introducing an unbaited untreated bed net induced a change in distribution with an increase in landing events on the net surface, predominantly on the sides of the net. Adding the presence of a simulated human bait dramatically impacted flight distribution patterns, exploratory foraging and, the number and distribution of landing positions on the net, which were determined largely by the orientation of the human within. The model replicates experimental results with free-flying living mosquitoes at human-occupied bed nets, where contact occurs predominantly on the top surface of the net. This accuracy is important as it quantifies exposure to the lethal insecticide residues that may be unique to the net roof (or theoretically any other surface). Number of net contacts and height of contacts decreased with increasing attractant dispersal noise. Conclusions Results generated by the model are an accurate representation of actual mosquito behaviour recorded at and around a human-occupied bed net in untreated and insecticide-treated nets. This fine-grained model is highly flexible and has significant potential for in silico screening of novel bed net designs, potentially reducing time and cost and accelerating the deployment of new and more effective tools for protecting against malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Cross-Study of Malaria Prevalence in History, Bed Net Utilization, and Knowledge about the Disease among Tanzanian College Students

Malaria Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2018/8137051 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Yakobo Nyahoga ◽

Zanda Bochkaeva

Keyword(s):

Malaria Prevention ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Malaria Prevalence ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Bed Net ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

University Campuses ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Two Factors

University campuses are potential reservoirs of infectious diseases, but they are not in the research focus. It is obvious that the use of malaria preventive tools is extremely necessary in campus conditions in endemic countries. This study is the first malaria survey, conducted in a student campus in Tanzania. This cross-sectional study uncovered a surprisingly high prevalence of malaria history among students: 89,4% of 246 random respondents assume that they had malaria in history, among whom 145 (58,9%) suffered from the disease during the last year. And although students are relatively confident about the vector, parasite, and prevention measures of the disease, only 44,7% of the students use bed nets and 4,5% use a body spray or ointment daily. The others seldom use spray or ointment or do not care about the problem at all. This situation was found to be associated with two factors, financial and educational. Current results show that students are relatively educated on malaria, but they do not follow the malaria prevention guidance. It has become clear that at least proper informational propaganda of bed net use is required in Tanzanian university campuses.

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Effect of bed net colour and shape preferences on bed net usage: a secondary data analysis of the 2017 Malawi Malaria Indicator Survey

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-020-03499-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Donnie Mategula ◽

Latif Ndeketa ◽

Judy Gichuki ◽

Boston Zimba ◽

Wilson Ching’ani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Universal Access ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Paediatric Population ◽

User Preferences ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Bed Net ◽

Previous Night ◽

Malaria Indicator Survey

Abstract Background Malaria remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population in Malawi. Insecticide-treated bed nets are a key vector malaria control intervention, however, advancement towards universal access is progressing slowly. Malawi Malaria indicator surveys (MMIS) show diverse user preferences of bed net shape and colour. The objective of this work was to understand if bed net shape and colour preferences affect usage. Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from households that participated in the 2016–2017 MMIS. The main outcome variable was net usage defined, at net level, whether someone slept under a particular net on the night before the survey. The main exposure variables were preference attributes, whether a particular net is of a preferred colour or shape as defined by the household respondent. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to determine the association between the exposure and outcome variables. Results A total of 3729 households with 16,755 individuals were included in this analysis. There were a total 7710 bed nets in households that participated in the survey of which 5435 (70.5%) of these nets had someone sleep under them the previous night before the survey. Bed nets that are of a preferred shape have 3.55 times higher odds of being used than those not preferred [AOR 3.55 (95% CI 2.98, 4.23; p value < 0.001)]. Bed nets that are of a preferred colour have 1.61 times higher odds of being used than those that are not of a preferred colour [AOR 1.61 (95% CI 1.41, 1.84; p value < 0.001]. Conclusions The results indicate that if a bed net is of a preferred colour or shape, it is more likely to be used. Bed net purchase by malaria stakeholders need to balance more factors on top of preferences such as price and efficacy.

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The Economics of Malaria Prevention

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance ◽

10.1093/acrefore/9780190625979.013.252 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Bénédicte Apouey ◽

Gabriel Picone ◽

Joshua Wilde

Keyword(s):

Financial Constraints ◽

Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽

Indoor Residual Spraying ◽

Preventive Treatment ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Mosquito Net ◽

Positive Externalities

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted through the bites of female anopheline mosquitos infected with protozoan parasites. Malaria remains one of the major causes of mortality by infectious disease: in 2015, there were an estimated 212 million cases and 429,000 deaths globally, according to the 2016 World Malaria Report. Children under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa bear the greatest burden of the disease worldwide. However, most of these cases could be prevented or treated. Several methods are highly effective in preventing malaria: in particular, sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and taking intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women (IPTp). Regarding treatment, artesiminin-based combination therapy (ACT) is recommended as first-line treatment in many countries. Compared with other actions, malaria prevention behaviors have some specific features. In particular, they produce public health externalities. For example, bed net usage creates positive externalities since bed nets not only directly protect the user, but also reduce transmission probabilities through reduction in the number of disease hosts, and in the case of ITNs, reduction of the vector itself. In contrast, ACT uptake creates both positive externalities when individuals with malaria are treated, and negative externalities in the case of overtreatment that speeds up the spread of long-run parasite resistance. Moreover, ITNs, IPTp, and ACTs are experience goods (meaning individuals only ascertain their benefits upon usage), which implies that current preventive actions are linked to past preventive behaviors. Malaria prevention and eradication produce unambiguous benefits across various domains: economic conditions, educational outcomes, survival, fertility, and health. However, despite the high private returns to prevention, the adoption of antimalarial products and behaviors remains relatively low in malaria-affected areas. A variety of explanations have been proposed for low adoption rates, including financial constraints, high prices, and absence of information. While recent studies highlight that all of these factors play a role, the main barrier to adoption is probably financial constraints. This finding has implications regarding the appropriate pricing policy for these health products. In addition, there is a shortage of causally identified research on the effect of cultural and psychological barriers to the adoption of preventive behaviors. The literature which does exist is from a few randomized control trials of few individuals in very specific geographic and cultural contexts, and may not be generalizable. As a result, there are still ample opportunities for research on applying the insights of behavioral economics to malaria-preventive behavior in particular. Moreover, little research has been done on the supply side, such as whether free or heavily subsidized distribution of prevention technologies is fiscally sustainable; finding effective methods to solve logistical problems which lead to shortages and ineffective alternative treatments to fill the gap; or training sufficient healthcare workers to ensure smooth and effective delivery. Given these gaps in the literature, there are still multiple fruitful avenues for research which may have a first-order effect on reducing the prevalence of malaria in the developing world.

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Assessing the impact of the addition of pyriproxyfen on the durability of permethrin-treated bed nets in Burkina Faso: a compound-randomized controlled trial

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-019-3018-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kobié H. Toé ◽

Frank Mechan ◽

Julie-Anne A. Tangena ◽

Marion Morris ◽

Joanna Solino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Burkina Faso ◽

Pyrethroid Resistance ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Target Range ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) treated with pyrethroids are the foundation of malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. Rising pyrethroid resistance in vectors, however, has driven the development of alternative net formulations. Here the durability of polyethylene nets with a novel combination of a pyrethroid, permethrin, and the insect juvenile hormone mimic, pyriproxyfen (PPF), compared to a standard permethrin LLIN, was assessed in rural Burkina Faso. Methods A compound-randomized controlled trial was completed in two villages. In one village 326 of the PPF-permethrin nets (Olyset Duo) and 327 standard LLINs (Olyset) were distributed to assess bioefficacy. In a second village, 170 PPF-permethrin nets and 376 LLINs were distributed to assess survivorship. Nets were followed at 6-monthly intervals for 3 years. Bioefficacy was assessed by exposing permethrin-susceptible and resistant Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquito strains to standard World Health Organization (WHO) cone and tunnel tests with impacts on fertility measured in the resistant strain. Insecticide content was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. LLIN survivorship was recorded with a questionnaire and assessed by comparing the physical integrity using the proportionate hole index (pHI). Results The PPF-permethrin net met WHO bioefficacy criteria (≥ 80% mortality or ≥ 95% knockdown) for the first 18 months, compared to 6 months for the standard LLIN. Mean mosquito mortality for PPF-permethrin nets, across all time points, was 8.6% (CI 2.6–14.6%) higher than the standard LLIN. Fertility rates were reduced after PPF-permethrin net exposure at 1-month post distribution, but not later. Permethrin content of both types of nets remained within the target range of 20 g/kg ± 25% for 242/248 nets tested. The pyriproxyfen content of PPF-permethrin nets declined by 54%, from 10.4 g/kg (CI 10.2–10.6) to 4.7 g/kg (CI 3.5–6.0, p < 0.001) over 36 months. Net survivorship was poor, with only 13% of PPF-permethrin nets and 12% of LLINs still present in the original household after 36 months. There was no difference in the fabric integrity or survivorship between the two net types. Conclusion The PPF-permethrin net, Olyset Duo, met or exceeded the performance of the WHO-recommended standard LLIN (Olyset) in the current study but both net types failed the 3-year WHO bioefficacy criteria.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Malaria and Its Control in Rural Northwest Tanzania

Malaria Research and Treatment ◽

10.4061/2010/794261 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2010 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Humphrey D. Mazigo ◽

Emmanuel Obasy ◽

Wilhellmus Mauka ◽

Paulina Manyiri ◽

Maria Zinga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Indoor Residual Spraying ◽

Education Level ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Bed Net ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Household Heads ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background. We assessed community knowledge, attitudes, and practices on malaria as well as acceptability to indoor residual spraying. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was done in a community in Geita district (northwest Tanzania). Household heads (n=366) were interviewed Results. Knowledge on malaria transmission, prevention, and treatment was reasonable; 56% of respondents associated the disease with mosquito bites, with a significant difference between education level and knowledge on transmission (P<.001). Knowledge of mosquito breeding areas was also associated with education (illiterate: 22%; literate: 59% (P<.001). Bed nets were used by 236 (64.5%), and usage was significantly associated with education level (P<.01). The level of bed net ownership was 77.3%. Most respondents (86.3%) agreed with indoor residual spraying of insecticides. Health facilities were the first option for malaria treatment by 47.3%. Artemether-lumefantrine was the most common antimalarial therapy used. Conclusions. Despite reasonable knowledge on malaria and its preventive measures, there is a need to improve availability of information through proper community channels. Special attention should be given to illiterate community members. High acceptance of indoor residual spraying and high level of bed net ownership should be taken as an advantage to improve malaria control.

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Household Predictors of Malaria Episode in Northern Uganda: Its Implication for Future Malaria Control

10.21203/rs.3.rs-918628/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Richard Echodu ◽

William Sam Oyet ◽

Tereza Iwiru ◽

Felister Apili ◽

Julius Julian Lutwama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Malaria Incidence ◽

Indoor Residual Spraying ◽

Malaria Episode ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Northern Uganda ◽

Bed Net ◽

Test Bed ◽

Time Data ◽

Previous Night ◽

Malaria Episodes

Abstract Background: Uses of indoor residual spraying (IRS), long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINS) and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) are greatly promoted in northern part of Uganda as mitigating strategies for malaria episodes. Unfortunately, the region still records the highest malaria prevalence of 63%. This study assesses household predicators of malaria in the region and their impact on malaria episodes at the household levels.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four districts of Gulu, Oyam, Kitgum and Agago covering sixteen villages in northern Uganda. In total, 193 households were surveyed. Data was collected through pre-tested structured questionnaire and systematically coded for analysis using R software.Results:Women headed 58% of the 193 households surveyed. Six hundred and five (605) individuals were declared to have spent the previous night in these households. On average, there were two bed nets per household and 502 (86%) spent the night prior to interview under a bed net. Overall, malaria episodes were strongly related to lack of bed nets or lack of use thereof, and directly linked to the number of individuals in a household. Children were prone to malaria more than adults by a ratio of 2:1. When given a choice between insecticides (IRS) and treated bed nets, 1 in 3 households preferred treated bed nets. At the same time, data suggests that bed nets were perceived unnecessary once IRS was applied. If true, the driving force to spraying insecticides indoor then becomes lack of a bed net. Conclusions:Household predicators of incidence of malaria in northern Uganda includes bed nets, use of treated bed nets, and indoor residual spraying with households not practicing any of these bearing the heaviest burden of malaria. Hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) clusters households into four types in northern Uganda, 1) household that use bed nets and sleep in houses sprayed with insecticides; 2) households that use bed nets but no indoor residual spraying with insecticides; 3) households that have no bed nets and no indoor residual spraying; and 4) test bed nets before use. Malaria incidence was higher in children as compared to the adults.

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Determinants of Ownership and Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets for Malaria Control in Eastern Ethiopia

Journal of Tropical Medicine ◽

10.1155/2012/235015 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Sibhatu Biadgilign ◽

Ayalu Reda ◽

Haji Kedir

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Mosquito Net ◽

Previous Night ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Eastern Ethiopia ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Insecticide Treated Bed Nets

Background. Malaria remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the world, and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine ownership and utilization of ITNs among households with children under five in the previous night.Methods. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gursum district in Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 335 households were surveyed using a pretested structured questionnaire administered though house-to-house interviews.Results. Household ownership for at least one mosquito net and use of nets were 62.4% (95% CI 57.2–67.6%) and 21.5% (95% CI 17.1–25.9%), respectively. Households who received or were told about ITN in the last 6 months were three times more likely to have used it than those who were not (OR 3.25; 95% CI 1.5–7.10). Households whose heads were engaged as a farmer (adjusted OR 0.137; 95% CI: 0.04–0.50) and housewife (OR 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08–0.82) were less likely to use ITN than those of other occupations.Conclusion. The findings indicate low ITN ownership and utilization among the households. Intensive health education and community mobilization effort should be employed to increase the possession and proper utilization of insecticide treated bed nets.

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