Sociodemographic Predictors of Insecticide-Treated Nets Utilization in Katsina State, Nigeria: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
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Introduction: Malaria remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity in north-western Nigeria. Whilst insecticide-treated net (ITN) ownership has improved following mass-distribution campaigns in Katsina State, a persistent gap between ownership and optimal use has been documented. This study examined ITN utilization patterns and identified demographic predictors of use among adult residents of Katsina South Senatorial Zone.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 adult residents recruited via multistage sampling across three local government areas. Data were collected using a structured, researcher-developed questionnaire with established content validity (four public health experts) and acceptable split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient = 0.825). Descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and multiple linear regression were performed using SPSS version 27 (α = 0.05).
Results: Most participants were female (61.2%), aged 36–45 years (33.3%), and engaged in business (45.8%). ITN use during sleep was high (89.8%; mean = 3.27, SD = 0.64); however, maintenance practices were consistently poor. Only 10.2% always hung nets correctly; 17.2% never washed their ITN within the recommended six-month interval; and 28.3% never inspected or repaired holes (mean maintenance score = 2.02, SD = 0.83). Multiple regression revealed that only occupation (B = −0.416, 95% CI [−0.742, −0.090], p = .013) and level of education (B = 0.556, 95% CI [0.277, 0.835], p < .001) were significant demographic predictors of ITN utilization.
Conclusion: Despite high ITN adoption, critical maintenance deficits undermine net efficacy in Katsina South Senatorial Zone. Targeted, occupation-sensitive and education-tailored behavior change interventions are required to bridge the gap between ITN ownership and protective use.
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