Malaria vectors distribution, abundance and assessment of factors influencing acceptance and use of Insecticide Treated Nets in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

The abundance and distribution of malaria vectors as well as compliance with the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) are key factors in the fight against malaria. Malaria vector species composition, distribution and attitude of residents of Uyo to ITNs were studied. Weekly surveys were conducted in 2018. Anopheles mosquito larvae were collected from the four different axes of the metropolis, reared to adult stage and morphologically identified. Four hundred (400) structured and pre-tested questionnaires were administered to 400 respondents aged 18-70 for their knowledge and compliance with ITNs use [285 (71.25%) females and 115 (28.75%) males]. A total of 689 Anophelines were collected and identified, 289 (42%) males and 400 (58%) females distributed as follows: 182 (26.41%) from Idoro Road, 168 (24.38%) from Use Offot, 145 (21.04%) from Oron Road and 194 (28.15%) from Ikpa Road areas respectively. Anopheles gambiae s.l. made up 98 % (675) while 14 (2%) of the total collections were Anopheles funestus s.l. There was a significant difference in abundance of the two mosquito species in the studied areas (p < 0.05, (0.000); x2 calc=2.41, df =1). More females, 171 (60%) than males 46 (40%), used ITNs although there was no significant difference (p > 0.05), (0.000); χ2 = 28.050, df = 1). There was a significant difference (χ2 = 48.876, df = 1, p = 0.000*) in the usage of ITNs by respondents of different ages. There was no significant difference (χ2 = 1.265, df = 2, p = 0.531) in ITNs use with household population. Anopheles gambiae s.l. were the major malaria vectors from this study. Poor awareness of the benefits of ITNs was found although many respondents knew about the nets. Public enlightenment on the use and benefits of insecticide treated nets is needed to demystify the negative perceptions of insecticides with which the nets are treated and sustain the gains of the National Malaria Elimination Program.