Perception of malaria risk and use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINS) by households in Ebolowa in the Southern Cameroon region

Abstract

Introduction: The Southern Region has one of the highest malaria prevalence rates in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of malaria risk and practical attitudes towards the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets by households.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over four months among households in the town of Ebolowa. Respondents were selected on the basis of random sampling in the study area. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v20-64bit software. The chi2 (χ2) statistical test was used to compare the variation in the indicators of interest, at the alpha = 5% threshold.

Results: A total of 1578 heads of household participated in the study. The average age was 36.55 ± 11.33 years. Among the respondents, 99.7% were able to control at least two malaria symptoms. Fever was cited by 99.1% of respondents as the first symptom of the disease. Of the households surveyed, 93.39% had at least one LLIN and 89.4% of respondents said they had slept with an LLIN the night before the survey. In terms of care, 82.99% of the LLINs had been washed at least once. The main product used for washing was soap powder in 81.47% (994/1220). After washing, 72.21% of the LLINs were dried in the sun.

Conclusion: The risk of malaria is well perceived. The availability of LLINs and their use are good. The maintenance of LLINs remains a problem requiring capacity building for users.