A new study has highlighted a concerning disparity between insecticide-treated net (ITN) ownership and actual usage among carers of children under 5 in Butiama District, Tanzania, a region with one of the highest malaria rates in the country. The findings were published in the journal Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.
Although more than 82% of surveyed households reported owning a mosquito net, only 50.8% said they used it the night before the study. The low usage rate falls significantly short of the national average and is especially troubling in Butiama, where malaria prevalence in children under 5 reached 35.15% during the last fiscal year.
The research, conducted between April and May 2024, involved 384 caregivers and examined various factors influencing ITN use. Results showed that gender, education, and knowledge about the appropriate time to begin using ITNs were significant predictors of whether families used the nets consistently.
Women were over three times more likely to ensure their children slept under ITNs compared to men, underlining the role women play in child health decisions. Those with at least a primary education were also twice as likely to use ITNs than those without formal education. Meanwhile, carers who understood the importance of using ITNs immediately after childbirth were significantly more likely to adopt consistent protective practices.
Barriers to consistent ITN usage were also identified. Nearly a quarter of participants cited discomfort due to heat as a reason for avoiding net use. Others noted health concerns or simply forgetting. Some households lacked ITNs altogether, even though distribution through health facilities and campaigns is ongoing.
The local environment compounds the issue. Over 93% of respondents reported living near mosquito breeding grounds, such as stagnant water and overgrown vegetation. Housing conditions were also a concern. More than two-thirds of the homes surveyed lacked window screens and had open or partially closed eaves, allowing mosquitos easy access.
In terms of occupation, self-employed individuals were significantly less likely to use ITNs than farmers and homemakers. The demands of their work, reduced exposure to health messaging, and differing perceptions of risk may contribute to this disparity.
Despite awareness campaigns, many families still lack practical knowledge about ITN maintenance and frequency of use. Only 58.6% correctly stated that ITNs should be used every night. Public health campaigns, while helpful, appear to be falling short of driving behavioural change.
Improving ITN usage in Butiama will require more than net distribution. Community engagement and targeted education must be paired with structural interventions, such as guidance on affordable ways to seal homes and eliminate mosquito breeding areas. Educating men about their role in family health may also help shift household dynamics and improve outcomes.
The study reinforces the need for an integrated approach to malaria prevention that goes beyond ownership metrics. Until households can consistently use ITNs and adopt basic protective measures, malaria will continue to pose a deadly threat to young children in Tanzania.
This article was written by Psychreg News Team from www.psychreg.org
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