USE OF THE INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS (ITNS) AMONG INFANTS AND MOTHERS IN THE WA WEST DISTRICT OF THE UPPER WEST REGION, GHANA

Abstract

This study assesses the reasons for the low utilization of ITNs touching on intra household factors in the Wa West District to ascertain reasons for the gap between access and utilization. Cross-sectional data were gathered from 150 household heads, health workers and opinion leaders in the Wa West District. The results were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. It was found out that about 96.7% of household respondents were aware of ITNs as an intervention for malaria control. However, only 62.7% possessed ITNs. Among owners ofITNs only 64.9% have used them. Respondents indicated that they feel warm sleeping under ITNs, do not have space to hang the nets and the chemicals in lTNs give body itches as reasons for low utilisation of ITNs. Determinants for utilisation include the fact that ITNs reduces health expenditure, availability of alternative ways of controlling mosquitoes and the relative advantage of using ITNs. Intra-household determinants of utilisation include the number of people sleeping under one ITN, whether both male and female are allowed to use one lTNs, the one that determine who should sleep under ITNs, and the relative convenient in treating the nets at the household level. Both socio economic and intra-household factors influence utilisation of ITNs. The study therefore, recommends that stakeholders in the Wa West District should organise mass educational campaigns to sensitise people on the necessity of use of ITNs especially mothers and infants