Determinants of ownership and utilisation of insecticide treated bednets in children with sickle cell anaemia in Benin City.

Introduction: malaria in children with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) results in severe morbidity and mortality, thus like in pregnant women and young children, malaria prevention in them should involve a multipronged approach. In addition to the use of chemoprophylaxis, sleeping under Insecticide-Treated Net/Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN/LLIN) has been found to be efficacious and effective in reducing malaria by vector control and preventing bites by mosquitoes. The aim of this study is to determine the ownership and utilization of ITN/LLIN and socioeconomic factors influencing the ownership/utilisation of ITN/LLIN in children with SCA. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study involving children with SCA aged 6 months to 17 years; conducted using semistructured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: a total of 806 questionnaires on the ownership and utilization of ITN/LLIN were filled and retrieved from children with SCA and their caregivers. The mean age of study population was 80.1±48.5 months. A total of 421 (52.2%) respondents owned at least one ITN/LLIN in their homes, while 291 (36.1%) slept under an ITN the previous night. The use of malaria chemoprophylaxis was a significant predictor of both ownership and utilisation of ITN/LLIN (p=0.000; OR: Odds ratio = 2.3 and p=0.001; OR=2.0). Clinic attendance at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) was the only significant predictor of ownership of ITN/LLIN (p=0.002, OR =2.1). Conclusion: the ownership and utilization of ITN/LLIN amongst respondents was low. Chemoprophylaxis use and attending clinic at the UBTH were significant predictors for the ownership of ITN/LLIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]