Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets among expectant mothers attending Antenatal Care services:

Abstract

Introduction: This study was done to assess the factors influencing the utilization of ITNs among expectant mothers attending ANC services at Kataraka Health centre IV, Fort Portal Municipality. The specific objectives were; to determine prevalence of ITNs use among expectant mothers attending ANC services at Kataraka Health centre IV; establish sociodemographic/ socio-economic factors and health service factors associated with utilization of ITNs among expectant mothers attending ANC services at Kataraka Health centre IV.

Methods: The study was descriptive cross-sectional in nature using quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. The study purposively sampled 300 expectant mothers attending ANC service at the health facility on dates of interviews. An interview structured questionnaire was administered to respondents by trained research assistants.

Results: The proportion of use of ITNs was 74.50%. ITN use among the pregnant women had no statistically significant association with age (X2=12.561, p = 0.006), Marital status (X2=13.73, p= 0.003), level of education (X2=26.788, p < 0.001), religion (X2=14.610, p=0.002), parity. (X2=9.709, p= 0.002) and income level (X2=26.693, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study concluded that ITN utilization in the study population is high. A major factor determining the use of ITN among these pregnant women is education level. Uptake of ITN can be significantly improved in Fort portal municipality if the nets are made affordable for the pregnant women and backed up with appropriate health education intervention.