Global Usage Rate of Bed Nets During the Last Ten Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background: Malaria is an endemic disease especially in tropical areas transmitted by Anopheles mosquito through their bites. Therefore, bednets are one of the best methods for protection against their bites. However, many regions have limited access to bednets and limited knowledge about their importance. Objectives: Primary objectives were to estimate bednet possession and usage rate for last 10 years. Secondary objectives aimed to calculate the prevalence of specific bednets’ types. Methods: We performed an electronic search on 12 databases, and 106 studies were included obeying the criteria. Results: 106 studies included in our meta-analysis. Study participants were mostly from Africa while a few from Asia and southern America. Overall bednet ownership rate per households among countries was 72.1% (95% CI: 62.9-79.7) while per individuals was 52.5% (95% CI: 37-67.4). In addition, overall bednet usage rate per households among countries was 41.2% (95% CI: 25.1-59.3) same as bednet usage per individuals. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the bednet ownership and usage rate among different countries are less satisfactory, hence not maximizing the potential benefit of the bed net. There is a crucial need to increase awareness towards the bednet usage across endemic areas and implement programs for free distribution of bednets.