Factors Influencing Use of Malaria Control Methods among the Residents of Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County

Abstract

Background: Malaria affects millions of people worldwide with 24 million Kenyans at risk of infection annually. To develop strategies to improve use of malaria control methods, it is necessary to determine factors that limit their use. Objective: To determine factors influencing use of malaria control methods among the residents of Nyando Sub-County. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 study participants selected through simple random sampling. A questionnaire was administered to determine social demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and utilization of malaria control methods; with accompanying focus group discussion. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, with manual thematic analysis done for qualitative data. Results: All study participants were aware of ITNs and used them. EM was known by 96.3% of the respondents and practiced by 95.5%, larviciding was known by 22.9% and practiced by 7.5% of the respondents. Knowledge of screens was poor (14.7%) and practiced by 3.5% of the respondents. Majority of the respondents perceived ITNs to be important in malaria control while larviciding was perceived as unimportant. Knowledge and Perception of all the malaria control methods was associated their use. Social cultural factors were associated with use of larvicides, mosquito repellents, screens, and IRS. Conclusion: Knowledge, practices, socio-cultural factors and perception towards malaria control methods, were associated with their use. Recommendation: Active campaigns to sensitize Nyando residents on malaria control methods should be initiated. Those living in traditional huts should be encouraged to screen their huts since space that is left for ventilation allows mosquitoes into their houses.