Study of Vector Control Practices for Malaria Prevention in Kwara State

Vector control through indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated net use remains central to malaria prevention in sub-Saharan Africa, and community-level adoption of these interventions in North Central Nigeria determines the effectiveness of national control strategies. This study examined vector control practices for malaria prevention among households in Ilorin East LGA, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 260 households with at least one child under five years, selected through systematic random sampling. A structured household questionnaire assessed ITN ownership, ITN use in the preceding night, indoor residual spraying receipt, environmental vector breeding site management, and healthcare worker-provided vector control counselling. Household malaria incidence in the preceding month was also recorded. Results showed that ITN ownership was high at 78.5 percent of households, but ITN use on the preceding night was only 54.2 percent. IRS had been received in the current season by 38.5 percent of households. Environmental management practices to reduce vector breeding sites were adequate in only 32.7 percent. Malaria incidence was significantly lower in households with both ITN use and IRS compared to households with neither (OR 0.28; p < 0.001). Barriers to ITN use included heat discomfort (61.5 percent) and net damage (42.3 percent). The study recommends coordinated ITN distribution and IRS campaigns, net repair programmes, and community education on vector control in Kwara State. Keywords: vector control, malaria prevention, insecticide-treated nets, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria