Abstract:
Introduction Malaria is one of vector-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasite, the use of LLINs as one of malaria core intervention for vector control and reduce malaria burden faced significant obstacles, and some prior studies revealed a discrepancy between LLINs ownership and actual use thus this study aimed to identify the determinant factors associated with LLINs usage in Karongi District.
Methodology :Cross-sectional household survey using multistage sampling designed to randomly select households from each village study was conducted.Descriptive statistic and logistic regression model used in analysis ,odd ratio with their corresponding 95% CI and P values were used in results presentation .
Results The results of this study indicate significant associations between LLINs usage and several key variables .Females have a significantly higher likelihood of LLINs usage compared to males (AOR =66.1,95%CI:3.85 -9.67,p=0.01),Marital status was also found to be a significant factor,with married individuals (AOR =4.03,95%CI: 1.75 – 9.31,p=0.01) and widow individuals (AOR=4.19,95%CI:1.34 – 13.13,p=0.01) ,Divorced individual showed a higher association but not statistically significant (AOR =2.01,95%CI:0.67 – 6.03,p=0.21),individuals residing in urban areas show a higher likelihood of LLINs usage compared to those in rural areas (AOR = 2.22,95%CI:1.37 – 3.6,p=0.01),having children underfive years demonstrated a higher likelihood of LLINs usage (AOR=2.92,95%CI:1.66 – 5.13,p=0.01) ,individual living in households with morethan two rooms had a higher likelihood of LLINs usage compared to those in households with one to two rooms (AOR =3.34,95%CI:1.63 – 6.86,p =0.01) furthermore,individuals who slept on a bed were significantly more likely to use LLINs compared to those sleeping on the floor (AOR = 4.99,95%CI:2.95 – 8.45,=0.01),The shape of the mosquito net also played a role with individuals using conical-shaped nets showing a higher likelihood of LLINs usage compared to those using rectangular-shaped nets (AOR =3.51, 95%CI :1.6 – 7.69,p=0.01)
Conclusion : This study identified several determinants of LLINs usage in Karongi District These finding provide valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to improve LLINs utilization among specific population groups. Strategies should focus on promoting LLINs usage among males,divorced individuals,individuals living in rural areas as well as, individuals without children underfive at their household
