Ownership and Use of Insectide Treated Nets among Young People in the Kpone Katamanso District

Abstract

Introduction: Significant gains have been made in the implementation of malaria prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa, and the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) has been critical in reduction in the incidence of malaria in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five years. Insecticide treated nets usage is dependent on ownership of insecticide treated nets, Usage of insecticide treated nets among school young people is of importance because they are often considered as reservoirs for malaria parasites, and are likely source for parasite transmission or reinfection, especially of vulnerable group such as pregnant women and children under 5 years. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the ownership and use of insecticide treated nets among young people in Kpone -Katamanso district. Method: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey and interviews using self-administered questionnaires was conducted to obtain demographic and clinical data on pupil’s history. This exercise was carried out in both private and public basic schools in the Kpone- Katamanso district in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. According to the Population and Housing Census (PHC, 2010), the district has both private and public educational institutions. Results: Ownership of ITN among young adolescents (5-15 years) was 62.5% and use of ITN was 51.8%. This current study found that males were more likely to use the ITN as compared to females. Children who were in JHS were more likely to use ITN as compared to children in primary school. There is the need to increase the ownership and use of ITN among the school aged children to help reduce the burden of malaria Conclusion: Finally, ITN use was equal to ownership among young people in the district