Abstract

The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) remains a key factor in preventing malaria among children under five years old. To investigate the effects of LLINs among this demographic, a study was conducted among children below five years of age attending Tubah district hospital. Data was collected over four months from February to May 2021 using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and the Care Start™ Pf Malaria HRP2 qualitative rapid diagnostic test. The risk of malaria occurrence in exposed children was determined using Chi-square (and Fisher’s exact) test. The study found that 90.91% (280 out of 308) of children had access to nets, with 92.86% (286 out of 308) owning LLINs. However, the percentage of net usage was 59.09% (182 out of 308). The prevalence of P. falciparum among the children was 25.32% (78 out of 308), and among those with repeated infections, it was 53.48% (46 out of 86). Neighborhood bed net coverage was associated with a reduced risk of malaria (P value = 0.038), while a higher risk (P value < 0.0001) was observed among those with repeated infections. These findings suggest that providing bed nets to all household members could offer community-level protection among children in semi-urban malaria-endemic regions like Tubah Subdivision.

Key words: Children below 5 years, LLINs, Malaria, Tubah subdivision.