Effective utilization of insecticide treated nets and hospitalization of children under five years at matete health centre in western Kenya

Background: Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with more than a quarter of the deaths occurring in children under five years in sub-Saharan Africa. Utilization of Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) has reduced malaria infections across countries in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere. However, limited studies have been carried out on the effective utilization of ITNs and how effective utilization of ITNs influences the hospitalization of children under-five years. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 100 caregivers with children under-five years at Matete Health Centre in Lugari Sub-County in western Kenya. The study determined effects of effective utilization of ITNs on the hospitalization of children under five years. Purposive sampling method was used and data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and key informant guide administered to care-givers and health care providers respectively. Results: 87% of the caregivers possessed ITNs, however only 28% were effectively using them. About 100% understood the importance of ITNs on the protection against malaria but pointed out house structure, number of children and number of bed nets as barrier to effective use of ITNs. The study findings have demonstrated that effective use of ITNs had effect on hospitalization of children under five years. In particular, among those who visited the hospital once in three months, effective utilization of ITNs was 27% (n=17) and those who did not was 73% (n=47) (P<0.0001). Also, for those who visited the hospital twice or more, the effective utilization was 30% (n=11) and those who did not was 70% (n=25) (P = 0.0008). Conclusion: This study shows high coverage and low effective utilization of ITNs. It further demonstrates that effective utilization of ITNs influences the hospitalization of children under five years. The study therefore recommends further study to identify barriers to effective utilization of ITNs with bigger sample-size and also a more rigorous study on the effect of effective utilization of ITNs on hospitalization of children under five years.