Background & objectives: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria bearing a significant burden. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are key to the WHO’s malaria control strategy. This study examined sociodemographic factors associated with ITN use among children under five years and pregnant women in Nigeria. Methods: Data from the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey were analyzed to assess sociodemographic factors associated with ITN use. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between ITN use and sociodemographic variables. Results: The survey included 13,727 households, with 14,476 women aged 15–49 years and 12,742 children under five. Of these, 56% of households owned at least one ITN, and 50% of women and 41.2% of children slept under an ITN. ITN utilization was higher in rural areas (p = 0.001), the North West and North East regions (p < 0.001 for both), and among lower wealth quintiles (p < 0.001). Younger children under 12 months old had a higher likelihood of sleeping under ITNs (p < 0.001). Pregnant women with no education (p = 0.048) or only primary education (p = 0.042) were also more likely to use ITNs. Interpretation & conclusion: Despite extensive ITN distribution efforts, gaps in utilization still persist among under-five children and pregnant women in Nigeria, more evident among older children, wealthier households, and women with higher education. Sustained community education, targeted interventions, and regular monitoring of sociodemographic trends are essential to enhance ITN use and achieve nationwide malaria prevention goals.
Omole et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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