Skip to main content

Table 4 Barriers against LLIN use as identified through FGDs and key informant interviews

From: Access to and use gaps of insecticide-treated nets among communities in Jimma Zone, southwestern Ethiopia: baseline results from malaria education interventions

Characteristics of Nets, and Sleeping Arrangements

Shape of the net: Given the rectangular nature of the nets, it is not comfortable to hang over sleeping area, ‘incompatibility with sleeping arrangements and house style’.

No bed: Some respondents mentioned people do not use LLIN if they don’t have bed or when their bed is under maintenance.

Sleeping outdoor: Many FGD and key informants mentioned that adolescents often sleep outdoor which often makes LLIN use difficult.

Perceived low efficacy of LLIN: Most participants argued that unlike past times, the net stopped killing mosquitoes and other insects and as result people throw it away or use for other purpose. “When the chemical in the LLIN is unable to kill mosquito, people may use it for other purposes, as curtain or as cover of other materials.” [FGD participant]

Fear of chemical: “The chemicals in it [LLIN] sometimes cause irritation, cough and itching.” [FGD participant]

Seasonality of Mosquitoes Bite

No mosquito bite: Given the study was conducted during dry seasons, people argued that mosquito does not exist during dry season and there is no need to sleep under the net.

Saving LLIN for another time: People mentioned that they saved the nets for more risky time. This may confirm the fact that more than half of the nets were kept folded at the time of visit for interview.

Accessibility factors

Insufficient access to LLIN within households.

Mal-distribution of LLIN that leads to either scarcity or excess nets

Personal factors

Lack of awareness and carelessness among families

Using the nets for other unintended purposes, as ‘mattress’, ‘to cover toilet’

Low perceived risk of malaria infections

Throwing away once it is ‘thorn out ‘and/or ‘becomes dirty’