Effects of long-lasting insecticide net (LLINs) ownership/utilisation indicators on annual household malaria episodes (AHMEs) in three Health Districts in Cameroon

Introduction Household residents in malaria endemic areas are at high risk of multiple malaria episodes per year. This study investigated the annual household malaria episodes (AHMEs) in three health districts in Cameroon.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional household survey using a multi-stage cluster design was conducted 2 – 3 years post campaign to assess long-lasting insecticide net (LLINs) ownership, utilisation, and maintenance as well as demographic characteristics. Multinomial regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with household LLIN ownership, utilization, and AHME.

Results Household LLINs ownership, de-facto population with universal utilisation, and AHME were respectively, 92.5%, 16.0%, and 83.4%; thus, 4 out of 25 household residents effectively used LLINs the previous night. AHME was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with age and gender (OR; 1.6, 95% C.I; 1.1 – 2.3) of household head, health district (OR; 2.8, 95% C.I; 1.1 – 7.2) and tiredness (OR; 2.6, 95% C.I; 1.0 – 6.3). LLINs ownership and insufficiency also significantly contributed to AHME. The overall average cost for the treatment of malaria was 6,399.4±4,892.8Fcfa (11.1±8.5US$).

Conclusions The proportion of households with at least one LLIN and those with at least one AHME were high. Findings are of concern given that average cost for the treatment of malaria represents a potentially high economic burden. The results outlined in this paper provide an important tool for the examination of the deficiencies in LLINs regular and universal utilisation.