Assessment of Long‐Lasting Insecticide‐Treated Bed Net Possession, Utilization, and Prevalence of Malaria Among Patients Visiting Bahir Dar Health Center

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia despite recent progress in control and elimination efforts, including the scale‐up of long‐lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). A facility‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from February to March 30, 2021, among suspected malaria patients attending Bahir Dar Health Center, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 403 participants were selected by simple random sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and LLIN possession and utilization were collected using a structured questionnaire, and malaria infection was determined by microscopic examination of blood smears. Among a total of 403 participants, 283 (70.2%) possessed at least one LLIN and 268 (66.5%) reported regular use during sleeping hours. The overall malaria prevalence was 3.7% (15/403). Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species (60.0%), followed by Plasmodium vivax (26.7%) and mixed infections (13.3%). Malaria prevalence was significantly higher among rural than urban residents (14.3% vs. 2.9%; p = 0.002) and among participants without LLINs compared with LLIN owners (8.0% vs. 1.8%; p = 0.002). No significant associations were observed between malaria prevalence and sex, age, educational status, or LLIN washing practices. Malaria transmission persists at measurable levels in Bahir Dar despite moderate LLIN coverage and utilization. Strengthening universal LLIN coverage, promoting proper and consistent use, and implementing targeted interventions in rural communities are essential to further reduce malaria transmission.