Abstract:

Background: Pregnant women are more vulnerable to malaria, they are four times more likely to get malaria and twice as likely to die of it. In Tanzania, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity, accounting for approximately 40% of attendance at outpatient clinic. It is estimated that malaria accounts for 22% of under-five mortality and 9% of maternal deaths. In Geita district, over 6,420 ITNs have been issued out since 2008. However, malaria is still the leading health concern with approximately 38% of all visits to outpatient clinics related to malaria symptoms. The main objective of this study was to investigate coverage and consistent usage of ITNs among pregnant women in Geita district.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey method was used. Three hundred and eight five (385) pregnant women from five villages within two wards in Geita District participated in the study. Pregnant women were interviewed and asked about possession and use ITNs. The data was analysed using STATA software.

Results: The present study shows that, current ITNs use has association with; Education (none or little and secondary) at p=0.0007 and 0.0021, marital status (Married) at p=0.002, Knowledge level on ITNs (No knowledge and moderate) at p=0.001 and 0.0001 respectively, Mosquito net when bought with (p=0.0001), Ever heard about ITNs and knows it’s important (Not aware and some idea) at p=0.0001 and 0.0001.

Conclusion: Long lasting nets should be distributed in the community and for all and not only pregnant women and children under 5 because everybody suffers from malaria. The studies allowed that more than half of women have heard about ITNs while half of them were aware of its purpose. However, most of them do not use effectively. Therefore, continue making them to be prone on Malaria that may lead to maternal anaemia.