Asian Journal of Advances in Medical Science

There has been global attention on malaria over the past years with emphasis on the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) and other preventive measures. However, awareness, ownership and utilization has not been well implemented leading to challenges in curbing malaria epidemic. Hence, this study on awareness and utilization of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) for malaria prevention Abraka community of Delta State, Nigeria for a period of six (6) months (January to June 2024). The study was a descriptive cross sectional study with a sample size of 195 respondents determined using the Cochrane formula. Multi-stage sampling was used for the distribution of well-structured questionnaire for collection of responses based on the key objectives. The results showed that a higher percentage of the respondents 171(87.7%) have heard about bed nets and insecticide treated nets at some point while 161(82.6%) of the respondents have seen ITNs. Also, from the respondents, 148(75.9%) stated that they have used bed nets / insecticide treated nets at some points. On the characteristics of ITNs in relation to sleeping areas showed that majority of the respondents 81(41.5%) had bed nets which have been in use for less than six months. Higher number of respondents agreed to the fact that use of ITN prevent bites from mosquitoes which causes malaria and other related diseases and also prevent malaria. The result from this study implies that there is a high level of ITNs awareness in the study area. Hence, awareness on the benefits of ITNs use should be emphasized among the members of the community.