Utilization of insecticide treated nets by under-five children in Micheweni District – Zanzibar

Abstract

A study was carried out with an objective of identifying the factors that affect the utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNS) by under-five children in Micheweni District, Zanzibar. The research was conducted basing on secondary data. Data for this study was drawn from Malaria Indicator Survey of 2008 conducted by Zanzibar Malaria Control Program (ZMCP) which is under the Ministry of Health. The research analysis was based on households with under-five children only. Data was analyzed using Pearson chi-square and Logistic regression model. Pearson Chi-Square was used to determine the association between the dependent (ITN Usage) and independent variables (Determinants). Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of utilization of ITNs by under five children. Variables with p-value less than 0.1 were accepted as significant. A total of 2078 households with 3407 children were analyzed. The study findings showed that on average 63.6 percent of the total children in Micheweni District use ITNs. In this district more than half (54.5 percent) of household heads were illiterate and the analysis showed that illiterate heads of households were less likely to enforce ITNs use for under-five children compared to the educated household. Household size and place of residence are also reported to be influential towards the usage of ITNs. Basing on these findings, it is suggested that particular attention needs to be paid to illiterate heads to sensitize them on use of ITN for under-five children. Household heads need to get as much educated as possible in order to be able to learn the importance of using ITNs for children under five. Also emphasis needs to be placed on household heads basing on the fact that under-five children are vulnerable. This is expected to greatly influence the use of ITNs in Micheweni District.