Influence of Phone and Internet Use on the Use of Insecticide-treated Bed Nets Among Pregnant Women: Analysis of DHS 2021 Data

Background: Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among pregnant women. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are an effective preventive measure; however, their use in Guinea remains below the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold of at least 80%. At the same time, the rapid expansion of information and communication technologies, particularly mobile phones and the Internet, provides new opportunities to promote positive health behaviors. Nevertheless, little is known about the influence of these technologies on ITN use among pregnant women in Guinea. This study aimed to assess the association between mobile phone and Internet use and ITN utilization among pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted based on secondary analysis of data from the 2021 Guinea Malaria and Anemia Indicator Survey (EIPAG). The study population included women aged 15–49 years who had given birth within the three years preceding the survey. Data analyses were performed using R software version 4.1.3 to describe the sample, conduct bivariate analyses, logistic regression, and regression tree modeling to identify predictive factors. Results: Among the participants, 2,225 women (57%) reported sleeping under an ITN the night before the survey. After adjustment, mobile phone use (73%) and Internet use (24%) were not significantly associated with ITN utilization. In contrast, several factors were significantly associated with higher ITN use, including higher parity (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.17–1.76 for 2–5 children and OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.32–2.24 for ≥6 children), attending at least four antenatal care visits (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.17–1.73), access to radio (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.07–1.45), and receiving malaria prevention messages (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.32–1.77). Conversely, large household size and an indirect relationship to the household head were associated with lower ITN use. Conclusion: Mobile phone and internet use had no significant influence on ITN utilization among pregnant women in Guinea. Factors such as household size, relationship to the household head, access to radio, parity, and number of ANC visits were significant predictors of ITN use. Strengthening programs aimed at improving ANC attendance, enhancing radio access, and intensifying media campaigns are recommended to optimize ITN utilization among pregnant women.