Utilization of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets and Parasitaemia at 6 Months after a Mass Distribution Exercise among Households in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Community Based Study. (1st August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nuwamanya, Simpson; Kansiime, Noel; Aheebwe, Emmanuel; Akatukwasa, Cecilia; Nabulo, Harriet; Turyakira, Eleanor; Bajunirwe, Francis
• Other Names: Novak Robert Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Malaria research and treatment. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-08-01
• Subjects: Malaria -- Periodicals; Malaria -- Research -- Periodicals; Malaria -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Malaria -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 616.9362005
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/4387506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8075

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Utilization of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) after free and mass distribution exercise has not been adequately studied. The objectives of this study were to assess ownership and utilization of LLINs following a mass distribution campaign in a Ugandan urban municipality. Methods . We conducted a cross-sectional study in western Uganda among households with children under 5 years, at 6 months after a mass LLIN distribution exercise. We administered a questionnaire to measure LLIN ownership and utilization. We also measured parasitaemia among children under five years. Results . Of the 346 households enrolled, 342 (98.8%) still owned all the LLINs. LLIN use was reported among 315 (91.1%) adult respondents and among 318 (91.9%) children under five. Parasitaemia was detected among 10 (2.9%) children under five. Males (OR=2.65, 95% CI 0.99-7.07), single respondents (OR=10.35, 95% CI 1.64-65.46), having a fitting bed net size (OR= 3.59, 95% CI 1.71-7.59), and no childhood malaria episode reported in the home in the last 12 months (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.02-2.83) were all associated with LLIN use. Conclusions . Ownership of LLIN is very high, and parasitaemia among the children was very low. Low parasitaemia may be attributed to high LLIN utilization. Long term follow-up should be done to determine durability of the ownership and utilization.