Households’ Perception, Practices and Maintenance Culture In End of Useful Life of Insecticide Treated Nets in the Shai Osudoku District

Abstract

The widespread use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) has contributed to the reduction in malaria cases highlighting its effectiveness in reducing malaria transmission. With the decline in donor funding in the supply of nets, the focus is being given to the question of how to sustain these successes, particularly the improvement in field durability in Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN).This study explored household’s perception of the end of useful life of ITNs and practices towards care and repair in the Shai-Osudoku District. A descriptive cross-sectional study design using a qualitative approach was used for this study. The study employed both focus group discussions and in-depth interviews in order to provide an in-depth understanding of the households’ perceptions. Data were collected from 38 participants who participated in 4 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) in 4 communities in the Shai Osudoku District. Multiple criteria such as the physical condition of the net, the age of net and perceived potency of the net was used to determine the end of useful life of ITNs. Reported net care and repair practices varied among the respondents. Proper handlings, washing of dirty nets, keeping nets out of reach of children were the major care and repair behaviours among households. Repurposing of old nets was most prominent in farming activities. The results indicate that generally households’ decisions regarding the end of net life vary among community members. Guidelines on cues to the disposal of nets should be developed and communication around net care should stress regular net inspections, prompt repairs, and clarify misconceptions about proper washing frequency and technique in order to prolong the useful life of ITNs.