Coverage of indoor residual spraying for malaria control and factors associated with its acceptability in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: indoor residual spraying (IRS) is among the major vector control strategies recommended for endemic populations by the World
Health Organization (WHO). The success of IRS requires high coverage which is dependent on its acceptability. In Nigeria, IRS pilots have been
ongoing and rejection has been a major setback to its coverage. We assessed coverage of IRS and determined factors associated with its acceptability
in Nasarawa Eggon district, Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Methods: a cross-sectional survey involving 409 households selected using multi-stage
sampling was carried out. Trained data collectors administered pre-tested structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic
characteristics of household heads or their representatives, their perceptions on IRS and factors associated with IRS acceptability. Descriptive,
bivariate and multivariate analyses were done at 5% level of significance. Results: majority of respondents were male (79.7%) and married (82.6%),
and their mean age was 36.4 ± 13.3 years. Coverage of IRS was 99.3%. However, only 82.6% of those who previously accepted IRS were willing
to accept it in again. Factors independently associated with acceptability were perceived effectiveness of IRS (aOR = 21.8; 95%CI = 6.9-68.8) and
lower household cost of malaria prevention after IRS (aOR = 5.0; 95%CI = 1.1-21.8). Conclusion: IRS coverage in the communities studied met
WHO minimum standard of 85%. However, for similar results to be achieved in future, acceptability must be promoted by providing information on
its effectiveness and its ability to reduce household cost of malaria prevention.