Knowledge & Utilization of Long Lasting Impregnated Nets among Housewives in Al Moneera City and Al Koozi Villages, Hodieda Governorate, Republic of Yemen 2007

Malaria is considered as one of the main health problem in the Republic of Yemen. In February 2006 National Malaria Control Program started freely distribution of Long Lasting Impregnated Nets (LLINs) for vulnerable groups to malaria infection (pregnant women and children under 5 years). After one year of distribution, there is a need to measure the use rate among vulnerable groups and explore factors affecting their use. The aim of the study was to investigate the use rate of long lasting impregnated nets among children under five years and pregnant women in Al Moneera city and Al Koozi villages of Hodieda governorate. Methodology: Cross section study with multistage sample, Random selection of one urban and one rural locality. 768 housewives were interviewed, proportionally allocated sample according to the number of vulnerable groups in each locality. Systematic random sample to select households. Results: The use rate of LLINs for vulnerable groups was 74.3% CI (71.2 - 77.4). There was no statistically significant association between the use of LLINs and residence, also with ages of housewives, occupation, type of house, but there is strong statistically significant association between use of LLINs and having correct information about how to use and to take care of them P value < 0.001, also with educational status of housewives; P value 0.03 and educational status of fathers; P value 0.01. (84%) have correct information about how to use and take care of LLINs and the main source of information was health workers who distributed them. Only 13.4% realized pregnant women as a vulnerable group to malaria infection while about 77.9% realized children as a vulnerable group to malaria infection. The main reason of LLINs use (84.8%) was protection from nuisance of insects. Conclusion and recommendations: There is shortage in the information about the protective effect of LLINs from malaria infection and the main reason of using them is protection from nuisance of insects. There is a need to increase health awareness about the role of LLINs in malaria prevention.