Barriers and Motivators for Mosquito Bed Nets Use during Pregnancy in the Middle Belt of Ghana

Abstract

Malaria in pregnancy is of global health concern. Free distributions of Insect-Repellent Preserved Nets (IRPNs) are introduced in Ghana to protect everyone particularly pregnant women from mosquito bites. This study aims at assessing the barriers and motivators to insecticide bed net use during gestation in the Kintampo Municipality.This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study that used a mixed methods approach to conduct the study. Multi stage sampling technique was used. Proportionate sampling was used to determine the number of respondents from each facility. Purposive sampling technique was used to select partners of ANC attendees for a focus group discussion.Data was analysed using Stata version 15 and N-Vivo 12. Data triangulation techniques were used to merge the two data sources. Test of association between independent variables and dependent variable (ITN use) was examined using Chi-square test and logistic regression models to determine the strength of the relations. A p-value of ≤0.05 was deemed to be statistically significant.Majority of pregnant women 71.4% sleep under treated insecticides net. Motivators for bed net use were to prevent mosquito bites 228 (83.2%) and to provide privacy 17 (6.2%). Barriers to bed net use were heat 59 (55.7%) and inconvenience in sleeping under the net 4 (3.8%). There is high rate of insect repellent pickled net use amongst antenatal women. Household arrangements as well as bed nets hanging challenges in the room are barriers to net use.Key words: Malaria, mosquito nets, usage, motivators, barriers and pregnancy.