Work

Insecticide-treated nets ownership, utilization, and associated barriers during the dry season among urban residents of Jabi Tehnan District, northwest Ethiopia

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Background Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are key components of malaria vector control in Ethiopia. However, their effectiveness depends on adequate household (HH) access and consistent utilization. This study assessed ITN ownership, utilization, and associated factors among urban HHs in Jabi Tehnan District, northwest Ethiopia, during the dry season. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 HHs in Finote Selam, Mankusa, and Jiga towns. Data on ITN ownership, utilization, and related HH characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Factors associated with ITN utilization were assessed using logistic regression, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Because of sparse data and the low number of non-utilization events, Firth-penalized logistic regression was used to obtain stable adjusted estimates. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Of the 405 HHs included in the study, 84.0% (n = 340) owned at least one ITN, and 96.8% (n = 329) of HHs owning ITNs reported its utilization. Among the 76 (19.0%) respondents who reported non-utilization, the main barrier identified was the absence of ITNs in the HH (85.0%), followed by irritation and suffocation (12.0%). The Firth penalized regression analysis showed that HHs owning one ITN had lower odds of utilization (AOR = 0.297, 95% CI: 0.098–0.901; p = 0.032), as did HHs in Mankusa town (AOR = 0.128, 95% CI: 0.032–0.519; p = 0.004). In contrast, HHs owning two ITNs had higher odds of utilization (AOR = 2.244, 95% CI: 3.145–15.311; p = 0.002). Conclusions Insecticide-treated net ownership and reported utilization were relatively high among urban HHs in Jabi Tehnan District. Nevertheless, gaps in ITN availability persisted, particularly among HHs with fewer ITNs and in Mankusa town. Ensuring adequate ITN availability and addressing context-specific barriers to consistent utilization may strengthen malaria prevention efforts during the dry season.

Source: Research Square

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-11128990/v1

Authors: Solomon Yeshanew, Fasil Adugna Kendie, Getnet Atenafu, Endalkachew Nibret

Institutions: Bahir Dar University, Debre Markos University

Language: English

Topic: Malaria Research and Control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: Bahir Dar University, Debre Markos University