Asian Journal of Biology

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malaria and utilization of insecticide treated bed nets among children under five years in Immanuel General Hospital, Eket, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 200 children under five years attending Immanuel General Hospital. Malaria was diagnosed using microscopy. Data on malaria infection status and ITN usage were collected through pre-tested questionnaire from caregivers who brought the children and medical records. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Data obtained was analyzed to generate descriptive statistics and chi-square test results (p < 0.05) was considered significant.

Results: The overall prevalence was 25.5%. No significant association (χ² = 7.85; p = .097) was found between age group and malaria infection status. Bed nets were owned by 75% of caregivers but only 45% used the bed nets.  Among children who used ITNs, the prevalence was 17.78% (95% CI: 9.88%-25.68%), whereas it was 31.82% (95% CI: 23.12%-40.52%) among non-users. The difference in malaria prevalence between ITN users and non-users was statistically significant (χ² = 5.13, p = .024), indicating a strong association between the usage of ITN and reduced malaria infection.

Conclusion: The study shows the importance of using bed net in reducing malaria occurrence among children. There is need for more strategic ways of bed net distribution to cover the gaps in distribution. Even though ITNs were owned by caregivers, the rate of utilization remains low, showing the need for intervention to promote the consistent and correct use of ITNs. This can be achieved by enhancing community education and addressing barriers to ITN usage. These steps are critical toward reducing the burden of malaria among children.