Ownership and use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Bed Nets (LLINs) in the Mbonge Health District, South West Region, Cameroon: A Community Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem in Cameroon. Long-Lasting Insecticide Bed Nets (LLINs) proven to be effective in the prevention of malaria have been distributed to households in Cameroon. Despite this, little information is known about the use of LLINs within rural communities. This study’s objective was to assess usage of LLINs and the socio-demographic factors associated to LLINs use in Mbonge Health District (MHD). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among household heads/spouses in the MHD and data collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Systematic sampling was used to determine 633 household heads/ spouses that were interviewed. Data was analysed using Epi Info version 3.5.4. Results: In total, 633 participants took part in the study with a median age of 38 years (IQR: 31-46). The mean number of LLINs owned by households was 2 (SD: 2.09) and median number of LLINs hanging over sleeping places was 1 (IQR: 0-2). Over half of participants (64.1%) slept under LLINs the previous night. Only 22.1% of participants correctly hung up LLINs. For participants who did not use LLINs, 120 (50.4%) said the reason for none use was due to none reception of LLINs during the mass distribution campaign. Being in Boa Balondo health area and having no specific occupation had statistical significant associations with the usage of LLINs. Katte Keumami Ivo1; Dickson Shey Nsagha1; Palle John Ngunde1; Amos Wung Buh1,2* 1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, 63, Buea, Cameroon. 2Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada.