Awareness, Ownership and Utilization of Treated Nets among Students of Imo State University Owerri Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated awareness, ownership, and usage of bed nets among Imo State University Students Owerri. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in three hostels within Imo State University. Awareness on the use of bed nets among the students was 47.1% while ITNs usage level among them was 38.4% although only 39.2% owned ITNs. The most significant reason for not possessing ITNs was inability to afford (43.5%), and unavailability (31.4%). There is an association between education and use of bed nets by the students. Indeed, respondents had high knowledge about bed net (both ITNs and non ITNs). However, poor possession and usage of ITNs among the students was due to affordability and the major causes were heat and culture. Hence, there is need for availability of ITNs, subsidized price or free to targeted groups through social media.

Keywords: Awareness, Ownership, Utilization, Treated Nets, Students, University