Household-Based Predictors of Universal Insecticide-Treated Net Coverage among Residents in Vihiga County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Odipo, Jacob Owiti | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-12T07:39:29Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-12T07:39:29Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-05 | |
| dc.description | A Research Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Public Health Systems Management and Application in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University, October 2025. Supervisor 1. Kenneth Rucha | |
| dc.description.abstract | Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) are essential for controlling malaria and other vector-borne diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that achieving universal ITN coverage is essential for effective malaria control in endemic regions. Universal ITN coverage, defined as at least one effective ITN per two persons, is influenced primarily by the availability of ITNs in households. Despite regular free ITN mass distribution every three years by the government and health partners, barriers to universal ITN coverage persist. The broad objective of this study was to investigate household-based predictors of the universal ITN coverage among household heads in Vihiga County, Kenya-a malaria-endemic region where the disease burden remains high, with a prevalence of 9.2% compared to the national average of 6%. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 304 household heads selected through multistage sampling in Vihiga County. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews (KIIs). Analysis included chi-square tests to compare proportions and multivariable logistic regression to assess predictors of universal ITN coverage, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results indicated that 83.6% of households achieved universal ITN coverage, with over 81% of coverage attributed to the recent mass ITN distributions, highlighting the effectiveness of these campaigns. The study revealed significant household-based predictors of coverage included marital status (p=0.005), age (p=0.014), registration for free nets (p=0.001), frequency of the household visits by community health promoters (p=0.001), and family size (p=0.001). Education level, income sources, and income levels did not significantly impact universal ITN coverage. The study recommends to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the county government of Vihiga continued free mass ITN distributions, supplemented by other community-based channels to replace damaged ITNs between campaigns. Targeted strategies focusing on significant predictors-marital status, registration status, age, and family size are advised to ensure equitable ITN access. Additionally, as over 37% of households reported re-purposing worn-out ITNs, further research is recommended to assess the health effects of the re-purposed ITNs. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32390 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Household-Based Predictors of Universal Insecticide-Treated Net Coverage among Residents in Vihiga County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |