Malaria Prevalence and Insecticide-Treated Net Usage Among Fishing Communities in Delta State

Fishing communities in Nigeria's South South zone occupy waterlogged coastal and riverine environments with year-round exposure to Anopheles mosquito vectors, making malaria control in these settings uniquely challenging. This cross-sectional study assessed malaria prevalence and insecticide-treated net usage patterns among fishing households in selected communities of Delta State. A total of 280 adults and children were enrolled from five riverine fishing communities, and finger-prick blood samples were tested using rapid diagnostic tests and light microscopy. Household questionnaires documented insecticide-treated net ownership, usage frequency, and barriers to consistent use. Malaria prevalence was 48.7 percent, substantially higher than the national urban average. Insecticide-treated net ownership was recorded in 61.4 percent of households, but consistent nightly use was reported by only 38.2 percent of net-owning households. Heat, inadequate net maintenance, and insufficient household coverage were the most cited reasons for non-use. Fishermen spending nights on water reported no net access whatsoever. The study recommends waterproof, hammock-adapted net designs and targeted distribution with usage counselling for fishing communities across Delta State. Keywords: malaria, insecticide-treated nets, fishing communities, Delta State, net utilisation.