Knowledge, attitudes and practices of local inhabitants about insecticide treated nets (ITNs) for malaria control in an endemic area of Ethiopia.

Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of local residents about insecticide treated nets (ITNs) for malaria control in an endemic area of Ethiopia.

Methods: A descriptive cross-survey was conducted from July 2008 to September 2008. A structured questionnaire collecting sociodemographic, ITNs and malaria-related KAP information was administered to the representatives of households.

Settings: Azendabo town, Ethiopia.

Results: 84% of the inhabitants had awareness about malaria transmission; mosquito bites were identified correctly as the cause of malaria. 85.2% respondents indicated that mosquitoes bite at night. ITNs awareness level of inhabitants was 92.4%; however, just 57.8% of them own ITNs. 96.2% and 91.5% of the inhabitants indicated the foremost reasons for nonpossession of ITNs were due to unaffordability and nonavailability. Inhabitants average monthly income significantly associated with the ITNs ownership at p<0.05 and, however educational status of the respondents and ITNs ownership was not significant (p=0.1).

Conclusion: Indeed, respondents had adequate knowledge regarding ITNs and malaria related information. However, inhabitants had poor attitude and practice towards the ITNs utilization due to lack of availability and affordability. Therefore, besides health education campaign, distribution and promotion of ITNs to entire rural residents at free of charge may possibly bring constructive outcome in the near future.