MALARIA VECTOR CONTROL STRATEGIES DEPLOYED BY HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN IN AN URBAN COMMUNITY IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA.

Introduction: Malaria resulting from the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes, is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan countries. It is preventable by using malaria vector control strategies like insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and indoor residual spraying (IRS).

Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the proportion of children in Borokiri Sandfield using ITN and IRS as malaria vector control strategies and the sociodemographic factors associated with its use.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Borokiri Sandfield, Port Harcourt, in an outreach program. We collected data on the sociodemographic characteristics of children seen in the outreach, the use of ITN and IRS, and malaria testing performed using the Rapid Diagnostic Test. Data analysis was by SPPS 23 and statistical significance set at P value < 0.05.

Results: A total of 207 children from 207 households, aged 0-17 years with 109 (52.7%) females participated in this study. The average household size was 5.1±1.5 persons. Fifteen (7.2%) had positive malaria parasite test. A total of 140 (67.6%) children used malaria vector control strategies, 106 (51.2%) used ITN, 91 (44%) IRS and 52 (25.1%) used both. The use of ITN was significantly more among smaller households of 3-4 persons while female gender and small household size were significantly associated with the use of IRS. Malaria parasitemia was more prevalent among children of households not using malaria vector control measures.

Conclusion: The use of malaria vector control strategies in this study is commendable, but can be improved by public enlightenment programs.