| dc.description |
Introduction: Proper utilization of LLINs for under five years children prevents malaria
episodes and reduces malaria related morbidity and mortality in the community. The main
objective of this evaluation was to evaluate the contribution of LLINs uses in prevention
of malaria for children below five years in West district Zanzibar; while the specific
objectives were: to assess level of LLINs utilization for under five years children in West
district, to assess community knowledge and attitude towards utilization of Long Lasting
Insecticide Nets ( LLINs) for prevention of malaria in under five children, and to assess
modality used by the programme on distribution of LLINs in the community.
Method: Descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods were used with a sample size of
151 study respondents of which 141 were household members, six health care providers,
two District Health Management Team members and two community leaders.
Results: The study sample was 141, of which 58.16 percent were married, and 37.59
percent had attained primary education whereby 29.79 percent had no formal education. It
was also noted that only 4.26 percent were government employees and 30.50 percent were
self-employed, the remaining had no reliable employment. The study findings showed that
there is high coverage of LLINs among the community members including children under
five years of age. This is associated with good availability of nets from different sources
like 44.68 percent free distribution from community leaders (sheha), while 25.53 percent
obtained their bed nets from health facilities etc. The utilization of LLINs is well accepted
by majority of the community as it was the reliable barriers to protect against mosquitoes
bites and prevention of malaria. About 97 percent of the respondents were using LLINs
while 99 percent of under five children slept under LLINs.
Conclusion: This study found that malaria prevention strategy using LLINs in the
community for under five children is well realized, as it is one among the strong
contributory factors to reducing malaria transmission among this population. Moreover,
the community appreciate the use of LLINs as it is averts under five malaria related
morbidity and mortality. |
|