Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Utilization of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Jigawa State: a cross-sectional study
Abstract:Background: The sharing of long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs), and utilization, alongside knowledge and attitude of the communities towards malaria, are vital to Malaria prevention, treatment, and control. This study intends to investigate the current state of knowledge, attitude, and usage of LLINs in Chamo town of Jigawa State, Nigeria. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional survey with a semi-structured interview questionnaire. Results: Of the total 471 respondents interviewed, comprising males (39.7%) and females (60.3%). The respondents had a mean age of 35.2 (SD = 12.6), and more than half (n= 274; 58.5%) were between 20 and 40 years old. Most of the respondents (n = 390; 82.8 %) know LLINs. However, only 225 (47.8%) believed the role of LLINs in protecting one from a mosquito bite, and 353 (75.8%) of the respondents believed that malaria can be transmitted through a mosquito bite. Educational level, marital status, and occupation show a significant association with knowledge of LLIN use. Conclusion: We concluded that there was a general awareness of LLINs in the study area, and the majority had favorable knowledge regarding malaria transmission. However, nearly half of the participants have a favorable understanding of LLIN use.