Paulette Ngum Fru1,2, Frederick Nchang Cho3,4,5,6, Andrew N Tassang7,8,9, Celestina Neh Fru9,10, Peter Nde Fon1,11, Albert Same Ekobo12,13. 1. Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon. 2. District Health Service Tiko, South West Regional Delegation of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Cameroon. 3. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon. 4. Catholic School of Health Sciences, Saint Elizabeth Hospital Complex, P.O. Box 8 Shisong-Nso, Cameroon. 5. Central African Network for Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria (CANTAM), University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon. 6. Global Health Systems Solutions, Cameroon. 7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon. 8. Buea Regional Hospital Annex, Buea, Cameroon. 9. Atlantic Medical Foundation, Mutengene, Cameroon. 10. Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon. 11. Solidarity Hospital, Buea, Cameroon. 12. Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 337, Yaoundé, Cameroon. 13. Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Cameroon.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Malaria is and remains a serious health concern in Africa. In Cameroon, where malaria is endemic and a major public health problem, the major control measure put in place is the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). In the Tiko Health District (THD), the challenges have been to assess and to evaluate the ownership and utilisation of LLINs. This study sought to assess the ownership and utilisation rates of LLINs in the THD. Methodology. A cross-sectional survey involving 418 households was conducted in four health areas in the THD. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LLIN ownership and utilisation as well as sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The ownership of at least one LLIN per household, coverage, and accessibility were, respectively, 89%, 56.2%, and 66.3%, while installing LLINs on all beds in the household, sleeping under LLINs the previous night (SULPN), and universal utilisation were 72%, 24.9%, and 14.1%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with the ownership of at least one LLIN per household were respondent's age and gender. Heat (21.1%) and forgetfulness (6.5%) were the main reasons postulated for irregular utilisation of LLINs. CONCLUSION: The ownership LLINs failed to guarantee utilisation and definitely effective control of malaria in the THD, as expected. Continuous and appropriate use of LLINs is indispensable, in addition to periodic sanitation, booster campaigns of LLIN distribution, and evaluation research for effective prevention and control of malaria.
INTRODUCTION: Malaria is and remains a serious health concern in Africa. In Cameroon, where malaria is endemic and a major public health problem, the major control measure put in place is the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). In the Tiko Health District (THD), the challenges have been to assess and to evaluate the ownership and utilisation of LLINs. This study sought to assess the ownership and utilisation rates of LLINs in the THD. Methodology. A cross-sectional survey involving 418 households was conducted in four health areas in the THD. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LLIN ownership and utilisation as well as sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The ownership of at least one LLIN per household, coverage, and accessibility were, respectively, 89%, 56.2%, and 66.3%, while installing LLINs on all beds in the household, sleeping under LLINs the previous night (SULPN), and universal utilisation were 72%, 24.9%, and 14.1%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with the ownership of at least one LLIN per household were respondent's age and gender. Heat (21.1%) and forgetfulness (6.5%) were the main reasons postulated for irregular utilisation of LLINs. CONCLUSION: The ownership LLINs failed to guarantee utilisation and definitely effective control of malaria in the THD, as expected. Continuous and appropriate use of LLINs is indispensable, in addition to periodic sanitation, booster campaigns of LLIN distribution, and evaluation research for effective prevention and control of malaria.
Authors: Stravensky T Boussougou-Sambe; Parfait Awono-Ambene; Geraud C T Tasse; Josiane Etang; Jerome A Binyang; Lynda D Nouage; Gaston Wamba; Peter Enyong; Eric B Fokam Journal: Malar J Date: 2017-01-17 Impact factor: 2.979
Authors: Obafemi J Babalola; Mohammed N Sambo; Suleiman H Idris; Ike-Oluwapo O Ajayi; Olufemi Ajumobi; Patrick Nguku Journal: Malar J Date: 2019-12-10 Impact factor: 2.979