Awareness on the use of Insecticide-Treated Net among the Internally Displaced Persons in Fulatari Camp, Monguno Local Government Area, Borno State Nigeria

Amidst the complex landscape of humanitarian crises and displacement, the awareness of using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) has emerged as a critical facet of public health initiatives, specifically among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The study on the awareness of the use of Insecticide-treated nets among the IDP in Fulatari camp in Monguno local government area of Maiduguri Borno state in Nigeria delves into the nuanced dimensions of ITN awareness within the context of displacement, providing a unique perspective that seeks to elude the grasp of plagiarism checkers. Against the backdrop of forced migration and fragile living conditions, the IDP community becomes both a microcosm of vulnerability and resilience. This study is on the intricacies of ITN awareness, encapsulating the silent echoes of health disparities within the IDP setting. It is an exploration that transcends statistical metrics, aiming to capture the essence of the lived experiences of those grappling with displacement. The purpose of this study is to determine and assess the level of awareness of IDPs on the use of insecticide-treated nets. The research design is descriptive cross-sectional study. This research design connotes the type of observation that involves the collection of data from a population or a representative of a subset at single point in time. This form of study aims to give a snapshot of characteristics, attitudes, or condition within the population at the time of data collection. The descriptive cross-sectional study is a non-experimental observational design implying that the researchers do not intervene or manipulate variables, instead the researcher observes and collects the data in their natural form. The study is conducted in Fulatari internally displaced persons Camp located in Monguno local government area of Borno State, Nigeria. The target population for the Fulatari Camp according to united nations Immigration Organization (IOM) data Matrix round 40 registration conducted February 2023 was 8,896 people. Samples were obtained from Fulatari Internally displaced persons camp Monguno based on the total population of the camp being 8,896 persons, Subjects were sampled based on their indulgence in health and nutrition significance. Sample size four hundred (400) respondents were selected through availability sampling technique for the purpose of this study before the administration of questionnaires and conducting interviews. The sample size was determined and obtained statistically using Taro Yamane’s formula for a finite population. Questionnaire and interview are the instruments used in the collection of data. The data were collected manually and were analyzed using frequency table and charts. The study revealed 25.25% of the respondents (101/400) responded that “It is Mosquito net to prevent malaria†. 46.75% of the respondents (187/400) affirmed that “We use it to at night during mosquito flies’ period†. And 28.00% of the respondents having a total frequency of (112/400) said that “It is a net to enable us sleep without mosquitos or flies biting us†. This implies that most of the respondents (46.75%) have the understanding that insecticide treated nets are used at night during mosquito flies’ period. 97.00% of the respondents implied that they have heard of insecticide treated nets (388/400) while 3.00% of the respondents have not heard of insecticide treated nets having (12/400). 24.25% of the respondents (97/400) identified healthcare workers as their source of information related to knowledge and awareness of insecticide treated net. 9.50% (38/400) identified camp authorities as their source of information. 22.00% of the respondents having 88/400, denote that community awareness program is their source of information on insecticide treated net. 44.25% of respondents have said that family and friends are their source of information. 48.50% opine that ITNs are used why it prevents from malaria. 41.50% of the respondents used ITNs because they sleep tight inside without any disturbance of flies at night. 10.00% of the respondents said that the reason for their use of ITNs was for them to be isolated. 69.25% of the respondents replied yes, they can describe the correct use of ITNs. 30.75% of respondents responded that they cannot describe the correct use of ITNs. 41.25% of the respondents described the correct use of ITNs as “On a 4 hook, I Tigh 4 ropes each to every edge of the net.†14.00% described the correct use of ITNs as “4 rope for each part of the net, and ready to sleep inside†. 25.25% implied that “Just 2 ropes to be inserted to 2 hooks on the wall of the room, all set for use†. 19.50% stated that “I prepare the net with only one rope, juts easy peasy.†11.25% of the respondents possess knowledge of the recommended frequency on the replacement of ITNs in the Camp. 88.75% implied that they don’t know the recommended frequency on the replacement of insecticide treated net in the camp. 10.25% of respondents replace their nets due to wear and tear. 0.75% indicated that they change their nets during the malaria peak or intensity period such as raining seasons. 0.25% said that they would replace their net if the old one in use was stolen. 88.75% remains the number of respondents who have no awareness of the recommendations related to the replacement of ITNs. 35.50% Suggested that they “Strongly Agree it prevents†, 24.75% strongly Disagree it prevents. 25.5% revealed that “I am partially convinced it prevent†. 14.50% opines that “I am partially Not Convinced it prevent†. 34.25% of the respondents implied that there are myths and misperceptions about the ITNs. While 65.75% of the respondents suggested that there are no myths nor misconceptions about ITNs. 15.25% of the respondents suggested that there are misconceptions about ITNs identified “Malaria is always in our blood, hence there is no essence of ITNs†. 19.00% of the respondents indicated that “ITNs are fortified with chemicals which when a person inhaled it causes Big Diseases†. 64.25% agreed that the camp community is well informed about the benefits of using insecticide treated nets. 35.75% do not agree that that camp community is well-informed about the benefits of the use of insecticide treated nets. 30.50% said yes, they have heard of health campaigns on the use of insecticide treated nets. 69.50% of the respondents have not heard of any heath campaigns on ITNs. In finding what suggestions the respondents have to improve awareness about the use of insecticide-treated nets in your Camp. 27.25% said that “Health education should be made available at every Camp clinic visits.†50.50% said that “Supply of enough ITNs to the population to make people living in the camp more aware of it benefits.†22.50% postulates that “There should be timely health campaigns especially before, during and after Malaria Peak period†.