Utilization of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Net and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Malarious Kebeles in Awabel District, North-West Ethiopia, 2017

Abstract Background: Utilization of long-lasting insecticide treated net (LLITN) is one of the main vector control activities. It has a killing, repellent and physical barrier effects against mosquito. Even if priority is given for pregnant women, not all nets owned by household have been utilized by pregnant women. The objective of the study was to assess utilization of Long-lasting insecticidal net and associated factors among pregnant women in malarious kebeles, Awabel woreda, North-West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2017. A systematic random sampling was used to select 422 households. Two days training was given for data collectors and supervisors. Collected data were coded and entered using epi-data version 3.1, then it was exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. After bivariate logistic regression analysis, all variables with a p-value less than or equal to 0.25was entered into multivariable logistic regression and p value < 0.05 considered as significantly associated with the outcome variable. Results: Utilization of LLITN was 33.6%. Factors such as attending antenatal care [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) =1.89; 95% CI; 1.04-3.44], traveling <1 hour to reach health facility AOR=4.41; 95% CI; 2.06-9.43], age [AOR= 3.67; 95% CI; 1.36-9.95], knowledge[AOR=11.68; 95% CI; 5.96-22.89] and having positive attitude [AOR=3.12; 95 CI; 1.66-5.88] were significantly associated with utilization of LLITN. Conclusion: This study showed that low utilization of LLITN. Attending antenatal care (ANC), traveling <1 hour to reach health facility, age , knowledge and attitude had positive association with LLITN utilization. Every concerned body should focus on reducing distance barrier by giving outreach services and increasing ANC, the attitude and knowledge of pregnant women toward malaria and LLITN which increase utilization of LLITN. Key words : LLITN utilization, pregnant women, malarious kebeles, Awable, Ethiopia