Determinants of insecticide treated bed nets use among pregnant women in the Kintampo north municipality, Bono East region, Ghana

Malaria is an avoidable ailment of public health importance with increased morbidity and mortality. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are proven defence intended to limit contacts with mosquitoes thereby preventing malaria morbidities and mortalities. The aim of this study is to assess the determinants of regular ITN use among pregnant women in the Kintampo North Municipality.

A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed in the Kintampo North Municipality. Pregnant women who sought antenatal care services were recruited. Data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire with respondents recruited using random sampling method. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Almost all (98.1%) respondents were aware of ITNs and majority (85.4%) indicated that ITNs are meant for protection against mosquito bites. Half (53.5%) of respondents heard about ITNs from hospitals/clinics. Majority (73.9%) of respondents identified health facilities as the venue to access ITNs. ITN usage, mosquito repellent, keeping surroundings tidy were ways reported to prevent malaria. Barriers to regular usage of ITN were skin rashes and cumbersome to use. Being married (aOR:3.9, 95%CI:1.64-9.28), hanging bed nets (aOR:17.8, 95% CI: 7.07-44.8) and willing to buy ITNs (aOR: 2.06, 95%CI: 1.05-4.04) were the key determinants of regular ITNs use.

There is high awareness and knowledge about the strategies to avoid malaria using ITNs. There is the need for continuous sensitization. There should be community engagements by the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to help eschew all myths and misconceptions about the use of ITN.