Acceptance And Use of Insecticide Treated Nets for Malaria Prevention among Students of College of Education Gidan-Waya, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Although insecticide treated nets (ITNs) been the most effective tool for the malaria control and prevention, there is still poor acceptance and ineffective utilization of ITNs in Nigeria especially among students. The study was to ascertained the level of awareness, acceptance and utilization, and the factors affecting the utilization of insecticide treated nets among students in College of Education Gidan-Waya on the benefit of ITNs as an effective tool in prevention of malaria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. A self-constructed close ended questionnaire was used for data collection. The target population for the study was 6,225 200L student teachers from which 400 respondents were obtained through a simple random sampling technique. Data was analyzed using tables, percentage and figures. The findings revealed that majority of respondents 320 (80%) are aware and have accepted the use of ITNs as a means for prevention of malaria but due to certain constraints such as side effects, cost, unavailability of ITNs and poor implementation. Based on these facts, the researchers recommended a tactical approach with proper organization of seminars and enlightenment campaign on the need for acceptance and utilization of ITNs.