A Survey of Household Ownership and Utilization of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Net (LLITN) in Bori, Rivers State, Nigeria
- April 23, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: Biology, IJRSI
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue IV, April 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705
R.B. Bob-Manuel
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, P.M.B. 5047, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Abstract:- A survey of household ownership and utilization of long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLITN) was conducted in Bori, Rivers State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire of World Health Organization (WHO) and specification were used. A total of 484 out of 500 administered were retrieved and data was analysed based on this. The results revealed that 376 (77.7%) used the bed nets as a control measure of mosquito bites; 306 (63.2%) received the bed nets from the Rivers State Government, 284 (58.6%) used them as prescribed (bed net for sleeping); 294 (60.8%) were educated on the reason and use of the bed nets; 100 (20.0%) used them for other purposes other than sleeping, while 284 (57.9%) used and noticed significant reduction in mosquito bites and malaria attack. It could therefore be concluded that LLITN in Bori is positively utilized and should be practiced by other communities in the State.
I. INTRODUCTION
It is impossible to measure the full impact of insects and other arthropods on human health and welfare. These organisms have the capacity to inflict injury, disease, discomfort, or distress on man and livestock. They can be a direct cause of illness, pain and suffering through bites and stings, infest wounds, or cause allergic reactions. They feed on blood or body tissues and they may transmit deadly pathogens or parasites in such feedings. Economic losses associated with these pests are borne not only by the affected individuals and their families but also by human society in general (Meyer, 2015).
Most insects have symbiotic relationship with certain diseases causing parasitic protozoans. These parasites live on the insects and are usually transmitted to the body of humans and livestock through the insects’ bites causing infections (Mullen and Durden, 2000). Despite the effect of modern medicine spread of arthropod borne diseases is still one of the most serious concerns facing public health officials and the medical community in general. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2012) estimates that as many as 4 million people die each year from the consequences of arthropod borne diseases. Obviously the problem is most severe in under-developed countries where access to good medical care is limited (Meyer, 2015).
