Perception and use of insecticide-treated nets among parents in Mbandaka, Equateur, DR Congo

Authors

  • Lombo Botswele Eddy Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Mbandaka (ISTM), Department of Community Health, Equateur, DRC
  • Likulu Efoloko Claude Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Mbandaka (ISTM), Department of Community Health, Equateur, DRC
  • Gabriel Bosenge Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Mbandaka (ISTM), Department of Community Health, Equateur, DRC
  • Emmanuel Kitete Mulongo Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC
  • Jean Paul Ngbolua Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC
  • Mathieu Lokaki Lofinda Department of Surgery, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC
  • Matthieu Besona Mbale Department of Anaesthesia and Resuscitation, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, DRC
  • Ekoko Bakambo Gracien Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63883/ijsrisjournal.v5i2.687

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess the perception and factors associated with the regular use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) among parents in Mbandaka, by identifying sociodemographic determinants and maintenance practices influencing their sustained use in the context of malaria prevention.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was conducted among 90 parents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by Fisher's exact tests to assess associations between variables, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: Nearly all participants (97.8%) owned at least one ITN, yet only 63.3% reported daily use. Key information sources included awareness campaigns and healthcare personnel, supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization, the National Malaria Control Program, and UNICEF. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between regular ITN use and education level (p = 0.048), mode of acquisition (p = 0.049), and drying practices (p = 0.041).

Conclusion: Although ITN ownership is high, regular use remains suboptimal. Access alone does not ensure proper utilization. Strengthening educational interventions, particularly on maintenance practices such as proper drying in the shade, is essential to improve malaria prevention effectiveness.

Keywords: Insecticide-treated mosquito nets, perception, rational use, maintenance, Mbandaka, DRC.

 

Received Date: February 22, 2026

Accepted Date: March 14, 2026

Published Date: April 02, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/687

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2026-04-02

How to Cite

Lombo Botswele Eddy, Likulu Efoloko Claude, Gabriel Bosenge, Emmanuel Kitete Mulongo, Jean Paul Ngbolua, Mathieu Lokaki Lofinda, Matthieu Besona Mbale, & Ekoko Bakambo Gracien. (2026). Perception and use of insecticide-treated nets among parents in Mbandaka, Equateur, DR Congo. International Journal of Scientific Research and Innovative Studies, 5(2), 485–493. https://doi.org/10.63883/ijsrisjournal.v5i2.687

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): Scientific Research and Innovative Studies

Section

Articles

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Articles in IJSRIS Journal are published in open access under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses

Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC