1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In recent years, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) has been widely promoted as a pivotal strategy in malaria prevention, particularly in endemic regions. Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with approximately 229 million cases reported annually, primarily affecting low-income countries (World Health Organization, 2020). Among the vulnerable populations, secondary school students represent a crucial demographic due to their susceptibility to the disease and their potential to influence community health practices.
Malaria remains a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where over 90% of malaria-related deaths occur (World Health Organization, 2020). Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) have proven to be an effective tool in reducing malaria transmission by providing a physical barrier against mosquito bites and killing mosquitoes that come into contact with the treated nets (Lengeler, 2004). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the widespread distribution and use of ITNs as a key strategy in malaria prevention efforts, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women (WHO, 2020).
The use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) as a malaria prevention strategy dates back several decades, with early studies demonstrating their efficacy in reducing malaria transmission. The concept of treating bed nets with insecticides gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as a cost-effective measure to protect against malaria-carrying mosquitoes (Lengeler, 2004). During this period, large-scale initiatives and pilot programs were launched in malaria-endemic regions, focusing initially on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children. These efforts were supported by international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which advocated for the widespread distribution and use of ITNs (WHO, 2020).
Secondary school students represent a critical demographic in the fight against malaria due to their unique position as both recipients of public health interventions and potential agents of change within their communities. Studies have shown that promoting ITN use among school-aged children not only protects them from malaria but also fosters behavior change that can influence their families and peers (Hamel et al., 2011). Despite the global efforts to increase ITN coverage, several challenges persist, including inadequate knowledge about malaria prevention methods, misconceptions about ITNs, and barriers to consistent use (Baume & Marin, 2008). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and utilization practices of ITNs among secondary school students is essential for designing targeted interventions that can improve ITN coverage and compliance.
The concept of ITNs revolves not only around their physical protection against mosquito bites but also their role in reducing malaria transmission through vector control (Lengeler, 2004). Despite substantial efforts to distribute ITNs in malaria-endemic regions, the effectiveness of these interventions heavily depends on the knowledge, attitudes, and utilization practices among the targeted populations. Secondary school students, as future community leaders and influencers, can play a pivotal role in advocating for and adopting malaria prevention strategies.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Bed Net among Secondary School Students.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many secondary school students lack adequate knowledge about malaria transmission and the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) in preventing it (Baume & 2008). Also, there are prevalent misconceptions and beliefs among secondary school students regarding ITNs, such as doubts about their safety or effectiveness, which hinder their adoption and consistent use (Hamel et al., 2011).
Furthermore, limited access to ITNs among secondary school students, either due to financial constraints or inadequate distribution channels, prevents widespread utilization despite awareness (WHO, 2020). There is also insufficient educational programs and awareness campaigns targeting secondary school students specifically on the importance and proper use of insecticide-treated bed nets as a malaria prevention strategy (Baume & Marin, 2008). Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Bed Net among Secondary School Students.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Bed Net among Secondary School Students. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To explore the attitudes of secondary school students towards the use of ITNs, including perceived benefits, and safety concerns influencing their utilization;
- To determine the utilization patterns of ITNs among secondary school students, including frequency of use, barriers to consistent use, and reasons for non-use;
- To assess the knowledge of secondary school students regarding malaria transmission and the effectiveness of ITNs in preventing malaria;
- To identify socio-demographic factors influencing knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of ITNs among secondary school students; and
- To provide recommendations for enhancing ITN education programs and interventions targeted at secondary school students, aimed at improving ITN coverage and adherence to recommended use practices.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the attitudes of secondary school students towards the use of ITNs, including perceptions of effectiveness, safety concerns, and cultural beliefs influencing their acceptance?
- What is the level of knowledge among secondary school students regarding malaria transmission and the role of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) in preventing malaria?
- How do socio-demographic factors such as gender, socio-economic status, and geographic location influence the knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of ITNs among secondary school students?
- What are the current utilization patterns of ITNs among secondary school students, including frequency of use, adherence to recommended practices, and barriers to consistent use?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant association between attitudes towards ITN use and gender among secondary school students
- H1: There is significant association between attitudes towards ITN use and gender among secondary school students
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no significant improvement in insecticide-treated bed nets utilization among secondary school students following targeted educational interventions
- H1: There is a significant improvement in insecticide-treated bed nets utilization among secondary school students following targeted educational interventions
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will contribute to understanding gaps in public health education. This understanding is crucial for developing targeted educational programs targeted at improving awareness and promoting proactive health behaviors. Also, this insight on examining the attitudes of secondary school students towards ITN use helps identify barriers and facilitators to their adoption will help inform interventions that foster positive health attitudes and behaviors from a young age, potentially influencing lifelong health practices.
More so, the findings from the study can inform evidence-based policy decisions and interventions aimed at improving ITN coverage and adherence among secondary school students. This includes strategies for integrating health education into school curricula, optimizing insecticide-treated bed nets distribution channels, and implementing targeted communication campaigns.
Furthermore, secondary school students are influential within their families and communities. By studying their knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets, the research can empower students to become advocates for malaria prevention strategies. This empowerment can lead to broader community engagement and support for public health initiatives.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Bed Net among Secondary School Students using Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITNs):
Bed nets treated with insecticides, primarily pyrethroids, which repel or kill mosquitoes that come into contact with them. ITNs are effective in preventing malaria transmission by creating a physical barrier and reducing mosquito populations (WHO, 2020).
Knowledge:
It is the understanding and awareness that secondary school students possess regarding malaria transmission, the role of mosquitoes in transmitting the disease, and the effectiveness of ITNs in preventing malaria (Baume & Marin, 2008).
Attitude:
It refers to secondary school students' feelings, opinions, and beliefs towards ITNs, including perceptions of their efficacy, safety concerns, and cultural acceptance of using bed nets (Hamel et al., 2011).
Utilization:
It is the extent to which secondary school students consistently use ITNs for protection against malaria, including factors influencing usage patterns, adherence to recommended practices, and barriers to consistent use (Baume & Marin, 2008).
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