Analysis of Insecticide-Treated Net Use by Pregnant Women: Implications for Donor Organizations

Jin Sung Song1,2,5, Mansiangi Mankadi Paul3, Sarita Dhakal1,2, Mpaka Kiansiku Smith4, Mbambula Kyelama Michel3, Eunju Cha5, Eun Woo Nam1,2,*

1Department of Health Administration, Graduate School, 2Yonsei Global Health Center, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea, 3School of
Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 4Public Health Research and Action Centre
(CRASP), Kongo University, Mbanza- Ngungu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 5Socio-Economic Development Department, Korea
International Cooperation Agency, Seongnam, Korea

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for the prevention of malaria and reduction of mortality and morbidity from mosquito-borne diseases. Although many countries,
including the Democratic Republic of Congo, have adopted this recommendation and distributed bed nets to their inhabitants, the percentage of the population using ITNs remains low.
Methods: This study was conducted with 400 mothers with at least one child under 5 years of age in health zones in the Bandundu province. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using structured pre-coded questionnaires. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were calculated using the SPSS Version 21.0 software.
Results: Among the studied variables, education status (p = 0.013), marital status (p = 0.004), ANC utilization (p =0.13), suffering from malaria during pregnancy (p = 0.019), and knowledge of the seriousness of malaria (p = 0.013) were significant determinants of the use of ITNs in logistic regression analyses.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the regular use of ITNs by women during pregnancy is associated with marital status, attending ANC services, and awareness of the serious nature of malaria. Therefore, education about the risk factors among populations is needed.
Key Words: Malaria, Pregnant women, Insecticide-treated nets, Democratic Republic of Congo, KOICA

Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

Vol. 6, No. 1, 36-42
http://dx.doi.org/10.15280/jlm.2016.6.1.36