Factors Associated with Use of Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets: A Case of Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East, 2021

Abstract

In an effort to prevent the spread of the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) first recommended use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Treated Nets (LLINs) only to pregnant women, children, and PLWHA and later made it universally accessible to everyone at risk. In Zimbabwe, the first LLINs mass distribution campaign was conducted in 2010 and the distribution targeted one net per sleeping space. Household ownership of LLINs has increased since 2005 to 2006 in the country but the use of LLINs has remained low. The objectives of the study were to: assess the knowledge of residents on LLINs use, establish the relationship between knowledge level and LLINs use, and assess the community’s attitudes and perception regarding use of LLINs. The study was carried out in Goromonzi District using an analytic cross-sectional study design. Calculation of the sample size was done using the Yamane’s formula and 392 respondents were included in the study. Stratified sampling was used in the selection of households and convenient sampling for selection of study participants. On data collection, a questionnaire was administered to respondents. In addition, the researcher carried out an observation to see the state of LLINs. Logistic regression was used to establish significant factors which affect the use LLINs. The study revealed that those who attained primary level of education and below were more likely to use LLINs than those with higher level (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.3-4.4; p=0.036). Respondents who had no problems when they use LLINs were more likely to use LLINs than those who acknowledged having problems (OR 5; CI 3.0-8.1; p<0.001). Those respondents who had LLINs with holes were less likely to use them than those with LLINs without holes (OR 0.4; CI 0.2-0.8; p=0.05). There is need for continuous sensitization of the community on the importance of using LLINs. Education should also focus on those people with higher educational level. Community health workers and local leaders must be empowered so that they can continuously monitor the use of LLINs in the community. Finally, this study recommends a mass distribution of LLIN so that the residents have new LLINs.