Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and malaria prevention: A study of women in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Africa, imposing substantial burdens on both health and economic productivity. Women of reproductive age are particularly susceptible to malaria infection due to immunological changes during pregnancy, which increase the risk of severe malaria, maternal anemia, and mortality. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed-nets (LLINs) among women of reproductive age in selected communities in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design to assess knowledge, attitude, and utilization of LLINs among women of reproductive age in selected communities within Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select 360 women of reproductive age, and data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was performed with SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square tests examined associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that most respondents knew LLINs prevent malaria (84.7%), kill mosquitoes (80.3%), and require nightly use (72.5%). There was a positive attitude towards LLINs as the majority (81.7%) agreed to their importance for family health. A good utilization was also noted as 70.8% used LLINs nightly and 61.9% for children. Age, education, occupation, and number of children influenced knowledge and utilization (p < 0.05). Conclusions: While awareness of LLINs is widespread in Asa LGA, actual usage is still influenced by a combination of personal, economic, and infrastructural factors. Gaps in utilization and seasonal use attitude highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve LLIN use and malaria prevention in the study area. There is a need for sustained health education and enhanced distribution of insecticide-treated bed-nets to overcome usage barriers