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Published on: January 16, 2015
Determinants of Malaria Insecticide-Treated Nets Use Among Women of Reproductive Age in Nigeria
Charles Echezona Nzelu1, Uche Maureen Nzelu2, Amara Rita Ugwunze1
1Department of Special Projects, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria.
Background:
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, especially among women of reproductive age. Although insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are effective, gaps between ownership and use persist. This study examined determinants of ITN use among women of reproductive age.
Methodology:
Secondary data from the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, were analysed. A weighted sample of 14,476 women aged 15-49 years was included. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 29, with significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results:
Overall, 41.5% of women used an ITN despite 62.6% owning one. Education, age, region, wealth, religion, media exposure, and malaria-prevention knowledge significantly predicted use. Women with primary education had higher odds (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.11-1.40), while tertiary-educated women had lower odds (AOR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.69-0.94) than those with no education. ITN use increased with age, highest among women aged 30-34 years (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.36-1.74). Average-wealth households had higher odds (AOR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.07-1.32), whereas rich households had lower odds (AOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.64-0.82) compared with poor households. Regional disparities were marked: North-East (AOR = 3.20; 95% CI: 2.81-3.65) and North-West (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI: 2.58- 3.26) showed higher odds, while southern regions had substantially lower odds. Muslim women had reduced odds (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.63-0.88). Media exposure (AOR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.15-1.40) and malaria-prevention knowledge (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.30-1.57) increased the likelihood of use.
Conclusion:
Despite moderate ownership, ITN use remains low. Interventions targeting wealthy and highly educated women, residents of southern regions, and those with limited malaria knowledge, combined with strengthened media outreach, are crucial to improve ITN utilisation.
