Attitudes and Practices toward Insecticide-Treated Nets among Residents of Jauro Yinu Ward in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria

Mustapha Mariam Omowunmi

Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences of the Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study investigates community attitudes and practices regarding the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for malaria prevention in Jauro Yinu Ward. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 349 respondents, all of whom completed the survey. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were young adults (57.3% aged 18–24) and predominantly female (76%). Notably, 73.3% had attained tertiary education, indicating a relatively educated sample. Results demonstrated a generally positive attitude toward ITNs, with 86.5% believing they are essential for malaria prevention and 78.2% agreeing on the necessity of nightly use. However, actual practices showed some inconsistencies, as only 53.3% reported regular use. Maintenance practices such as proper storage (82.5%) and inspection for damage (41.3%) were encouraging, though repairs were less common (37.0%). Statistical tests revealed a significant relationship between education and attitude towards ITNs (p = 0.0035), but no significant relationships based on gender. These findings suggest that while awareness and attitudes are favorable, there is a need for more targeted behavioral interventions to improve consistent usage and maintenance of ITNs in malaria-prone areas (WHO, 2023; CDC, 2022).

Keywords: insecticide-treated nets, awareness, predominantly and malaria prevention

CITE AS: Mustapha Mariam Omowunmi (2025). Attitudes and Practices toward Insecticide-Treated Nets among Residents of Jauro Yinu Ward in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL   JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND   EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 6(2):1-5. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2025/62.1500