Association between malaria parasitemia with usage of insecticide-treated nets (ITNS) among pregnant and nursing mothers accessing Lokuwa Primary Health Care (PHC) facility, Mubi, Nigeria

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, where it is prevalent and has a particularly severe impact on expectant mothers and children less than 5yrs of age. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2023 in Lokuwa PHC facility located in Mubi, Nigeria. Pregnant women and nursing mothers were enrolled in the study by simple random sampling through the administration of a structured questionnaire, including the collection of blood for malaria parasitaemia. Results: A total of 150 participants, consisting of 80(53.3) pregnant women and 70(45.7%) nursing mothers, were included in the study. Most participants (81.3%) owned ITNs, with a significant proportion (73.0%) reporting that they had used their ITNs the night before the questionnaire administration. Satisfaction with ITN usage was high (65.3%), with heat generation being the primary reason for dissatisfaction. Most participants (83.3%) believed that consistent ITN use could prevent malaria. Also, 36.0% of the study population were tested positive for malaria parasites, with the highest prevalence among pregnant women (57.4%). However, no significant associations were found between malaria parasitaemia and the demographic variables studied (P>0.05). Also, ITN ownership was significantly associated with the employment status (P=0.044) of the study population. While the study identified a significant association between ITN ownership and malaria parasitaemia (P=0.001), there was no significant association between ITN utilization and malaria parasitaemia (P=0.660). Conclusion: These findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia, ITN ownership, utilization, and perceptions related to malaria prevention among the study population.