PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF LONG LASTING INSECTICIDAL NETS (LLINS) AMONG ADULTS IN A RURAL NIGERIAN COMMUNITY

Onasoga, Olayinka A; Aluko, Joel O.; Olowolafe, Emmanuel O & Adewoye, Oluwapelumi T.

Abstract

Long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) are key preventive intervention that reduces the burden of malaria if well utilized; therefore, this study was designed to determine perception and utilization of LLINs among adults in a rural Nigerian community. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used for the study and purposive sampling technique was used to select the 301 adults who are permanent residents of the community and were willing to participate in the study.  Data were collected using validated structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the statistical product and service solution (SPSS) version 24.The results were presented using both descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at 0.05. The study revealed that that 150 (49.8%) of the respondents were between 20-30 years of age, 181 (60.1%) were female. and 153 (50.8%) had tertiary level of education. Only 169 (56.1%) of the respondents possess LLINs despite 220 (73.1%) had positive perception regarding LLINs. utilization of LLINs was also low among participants 181 (60.1%). Conclusively, there is need to motivate adults in the community toward the utilization of LLINs in the prevention and control of malaria. Furthermore, government, ministry of health and NGOs should ensure that every adult own a net either through large community coverage or at a cost that every individual should be able to afford.