Perception and utilization of insecticide treated nets in Nakiwogo Fishing Village in Wakiso District, Uganda

Abstract

Malaria is a major public health problem that contributes highly to morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet it is preventable and treatable. Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) have been shown to be the most cost effective measure for malaria control. Unfortunately ITNs have been reported to be misused. In some areas ITNs have been used for fishing and drying fish, while other people decided to use the ITNs as bridal gowns. The aim of this study was to investigate people’s perception and use of ITNs in a fishing village. This information is important in understanding people’s perception and use of ITNs, as well as planning in the health sector. This study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A questionnaire was used to get individual’s perceptions and use of insecticide treated nets, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Six (6) Focus Group Discussions were held, 3 for men and 3 for women who live in the fishing community. The main issues discussed were knowledge about malaria, malaria prevention methods, reasons for using of ITNs, other things that ITNs are used for and what can be done to improve on ITNs use in the fishing communities. Ten Key Informant Interviews were held with Research Officers, Community Development Officer, Medical Officers and Health Assistants. Observation was used to identify issues that would not easily be expressed that were necessary to the research. Results show the community was generally knowledgeable of malaria (95.1%) and it is control. The respondents were aware that mosquitoes transmit malaria (91.36%). Though there were some misconceptions of the cause of malaria, such as drinking dirty water or food (8.64%). All respondents were aware of symptoms of malaria like chills, vomiting. The malaria prevention methods were well known. Several methods were used for malaria prevention, but only (48.2%) of the respondents were using ITNs to protect themselves from malaria ITNs were considered to be the effective and important for malaria prevention during pregnancy. Negative perceptions about ITNs use included; high cost of ITNs, the chemicals in the ITNs were considered to be dangerous to their health. Due to these weakness and negative perceptions attached to the ITNs some of the people in the fishing community decided to find alternative uses for the ITNs, these included; catching fish. vi In this study, several factors that contributed to use of ITNs these included; Age, sex, marital comfort and laziness among others. Due to a weak health policy, and misuse of malaria control measures like ITNs, Uganda may not achieve the sixth millennium development goal of combating malaria by 2015. The government should assign health workers to each fishing community to educate people about health related issue; and subsidize on prices of ITNs.