Awareness, Ownership and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets against Malaria Vectors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the level, sources of awareness, ownership and utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) by pregnant women, according to age, parity, trimester, occupation and hospital attended. Study Design: The study was a cross sectional survey of 577 randomly selected pregnant women who were attending antenatal clinic in different hospitals in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. Duration of Study: The study was conducted in February 2016. Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the study participants. Results: Of a total of 577 respondents, 566(98.1%) had previous knowledge of ITNs while only 11(1.9%) had no prior knowledge. Also, 218(38.5%) had heard about ITNs from Radio, 184(32.5%) from Television, while 374(66.1%) from Antenatal clinics. A total of 217(46.2%) obtained at least one net at antenatal clinic, 39(8.3%) purchased at least one of the ITNs owned, 49(10.4%) received the net at their Local Government Headquarters while 263(66.9%) received at least one by free distribution at other locations. Respondents from government owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) had the highest ownership rate of 92.7%, while least 65.0% was observed at the privately owned Divine Hospital and Maternity. The ownership of ITNs was dependent on the hospital as there was a significant difference (X2=56.374, df=2, p < .05). Age group 25–34 years had the highest ownership rate of 87.1% while the least 72.8% was in age group 15–24 years. Women in age group 35–44 years had the highest utilization rate of 52.3% while least usage rate was in age group 15-24 years and there was a significant difference (X2=7.042, df=2, p < .05). Conclusion: Public health educators, Doctors and Antenatal heads need to do more in sensitization on the importance of utilization of ITNs during pregnancy for protection against malaria vectors.