Factors Associated with Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Nets in Children Seeking Health Care at a Ugandan Hospital: Perspective of Child Caregivers
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of community health
Abstract
In Uganda malaria causes more morbidity and mortality than any other disease and children below 5 years contribute the biggest percentage of malaria related mortality. Insecticide treated nets (ITNs) are currently one of the most cost effective option for reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality, however the factors affecting their utilization in Uganda are still not well understood. This
study examined the prevalence and factors associated with
ITN utilization among children of age 0–12 years seeking
health care from a Ugandan hospital using caregiver’s
reports. A cross sectional design was used to collect data
using a semi-structured questionnaire from 418 participants.
Binary logistic regression was employed to
determine predictors of ITN utilization. Results show that
the prevalence of ITN utilization among children seeking
health care was 34.2%. ITN utilization was higher among
children of age \5 years [37.0, 95% CI 31.81–42.21] as
compared to children aged C5 years [22.9, 95% CI
13.77–32.01]. Source of mosquito net (OR = 13.53, 95%
CI = 6.47–28.27), formal employment by head of household
(OR = 6.00, 95% CI = 1.95–18.48), sharing a bed
with parent (s) (OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.21–5.63) and
number of children below 12 years in a household
(OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.65–0.99), were significant predictors
of utilization. ITN utilization among children was
below the set national target. The predictors identified by
this study reveal opportunities that can be taken advantage
of by malaria control programs to achieve the desired rates
of utilization and subsequently malaria prevention in
children.
Description
Keywords
Children, Malaria prevention, Insecticide treated nets, Utilization, Caregivers
Citation
Nankinga, Z., Muliira, J. K., Kalyango, J., Nankabirwa, J., Kiwuwa, S., Njama-Meya, D., & Karamagi, C. (2012). Factors associated with utilization of insecticide-treated nets in children seeking health care at a Ugandan hospital: perspective of child caregivers. Journal of community health, 37(5), 1006-1014. DOI 10.1007/s10900-012-9546-z