Assessment of Insecticide-Treated Nets Utilization and Perceived Effectiveness in Reducing Malaria Prevalence Among CommunityMembers in Ilorin Metropolis

Authors

  • Shiru Hameedat Yusuf Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author
  • Abdulhafeez Buhari Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2268-3891
  • Kaosarat Olajumoke Abdulsalam Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author
  • Shukurat Opeyemi Tijani Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author
  • Munirat Motunrayo Oloyin Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author
  • Abdulhaleem Yusuf Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author
  • Khadijat Olajumoke Alaro Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author
  • Faoziyat Oyindamola Akintola Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author

Keywords:

Insecticide-treated Nets, Utilization, Ilorin

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria despite widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs).

Objective: This study assessed the availability, utilization, perceived effectiveness, and barriers to the use of insecticide-treated nets among community members in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Four hundred respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at p < 0.05.

Results: ITN ownership was reported by 37.5% of respondents, while only 35.0% slept under an ITN the night preceding the survey. Although 70.0% perceived ITNs as effective, 42.5% reported self-reported malaria episodes despite ITN use. Heat, discomfort, and inadequate household coverage were the
most commonly reported barriers.

Conclusion: ITN utilization in Ilorin Metropolis remains suboptimal despite moderate awareness. Addressing behavioral and household-level barriers is essential for improving malaria prevention outcomes.

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Published

2026-01-30

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): AJOHS

Section

Articles