To improve control measures against malaria, Tanzania has increased the
distribution of free and subsidized insecticide-treated mosquito nets
(ITNs) to pregnant women. However, data on ownership and use of ITNs,
as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices of these women regarding
malaria are scarce. The objective of this study was to describe
knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria, frequency of bed
net use and level of ownership of bed nets among women seeking
antenatal care in Iringa regional hospital, southern Tanzania. This
cross-sectional study involved women attending antenatal clinic at
Iringa Regional Hospital in south-western Tanzania. A pre-tested
structured questionnaire was applied. Among the 222 pregnant women
included, 173 (78%, 95%CI, 72-84.2) owned a bed net, and 150 (68%,
95%CI, 61- 75) reported to sleep always under a bed net. The use of bed
nets was mentioned by 142 (64%, 95%CI, 56.2-72). Of the 46 women who
did not own a bed net, seven (15.2%) reported cost as the main obstacle
for owning one. About 53% (95%CI, 44-62) preferred to use mosquito nets
they bought rather than the one provided for free. Several factors such
as gravidity, fearing of getting malaria, knowledge on the cause,
marital status, and ways used to prevent malaria were significantly
associated with mosquito net ownership (all P<0.001). Education
level and gravidity were associated with the behaviour to sleep always
under bed nets (P<0.002). Multigravidae (2-4 pregnancies) (OR 2.1,
95%CI 1.2-4.8) and married women (OR, 1.9, 95%CI, 1.2-5.2) were more
likely to own a net, as compared to primigravidae and single women. In
conclusion, ITNs ownership and use among pregnant women was good and
they preferred to use the nets they bought from private sector. Thus,
integrating public and private sector will improve the distribution and
coverage of insecticides treated mosquito among high risk groups, such
as pregnant women
