Direct evidence that seasonal factors impact the use of insecticide-treated nets in Nigeria

Authors: Tarekegn A Abeku, Azuka Iwegbu, Saliu Ogunmola, Oluwabukola Babalola, Olusola Oresanya, Abiola Oluwagbemiga

Seasonal changes in rainfall and temperature are important determinants of insecticide-treated net use among people with access. These factors should be considered when designing promotional messages, timing distribution campaigns and evaluation surveys, as well as interpreting survey outcomes.

Inconsistent use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across different seasons and climatic regions has been identified as a challenge in several countries in Africa. Perceptions of heat and mosquito biting frequency have been reported as determinants of ITN use among populations with access to ITNs. However, there is limited direct evidence linking seasonal climatic variations with ITN use. In Ondo state, Nigeria, we conducted repeated surveys in different seasons to investigate seasonal changes in ITN use rates and the potential determinant factors.

This poster was presented at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (ASTMH).