KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ON USE OF INSECTICIDE TREATED MOSQUITO NETS AMONG ANTENATAL MOTHERS AT KISUMU COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Malaria in pregnancy is associated with major adverse outcomes for both the mother and the foetus. Globally, various measures have been implemented in a bid to prevent transmission of the disease and use of insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) has been proven to be one of the most effective methods in prevention of malaria in sub - Saharan Africa(WHO,2021). The Kenyan government has increased the distribution of free and subsidized insecticide-treated mosquito nets to all pregnant women. However, distribution of these ITNs does not always guarantee utilization and hence in this study we seek to assess knowledge, attitude and practice on use of insecticide treated nets among antenatal mothers. A descriptive cross-sectional study design will be used to collect data in this study. The study will be carried out in KCRH reproductive unit in Kisumu county, Kenya. The population to be used in this study is antenatal mothers attending antenatal clinic in KCRH. A pre-test to determine the effectiveness of the questionnaire will be carried in KCRH. The study sample will be comprised of 154 antenatal mothers and this will be achieved through census. Researcher administered questionnaires will be employed as data collection tools. Codes will be used to ensure privacy and anonymity of the respondents. Data analysis upon completion will be fed in SPSS software version 26. Data presentations will be in form of charts and tables. The findings from this study will inform the interventions that can be put in place to facilitate maximum utilization of ITNs.