Utilization of malaria control interventions and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Lira City, Northern Uganda

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dc.contributor.authorApio, Everline
dc.contributor.authorAngwech, Harriet
dc.contributor.authorOpio, Bosco
dc.contributor.authorOkwir, Gustavio
dc.contributor.authorOpoke, Robert
dc.contributor.authorMalinga, Geoffrey Maxwell
dc.contributor.authorOpiro, Robert
dc.date.accessioned2026-04-07T09:31:52Z
dc.date.available2026-04-07T09:31:52Z
dc.date.issued2026-03-09
dc.descriptionThis study strengthens malaria prevention among women of reproductive age in Lira City by identifying factors, including limited awareness of prevention methods, misconceptions about the safety of interventions, and accessibility challenges, that influence the use of insecticide-treated nets, intermittent preventive treatment, and indoor residual spraying. By providing evidence on knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to uptake, the research supports improved targeting of health education and community interventions to reduce malaria burden among vulnerable populations. The findings contribute to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through improved disease prevention and reduced mortality, and to SDG 5: Gender Equality by addressing the health needs of women. The study supports the Uganda National Development Plan IV's priorities for strengthening primary healthcare, disease prevention, and human capital development.
dc.description.abstractMalaria remains a major public health concern in Uganda, with prevalence in Lira City rising sharply in recent years despite ongoing interventions. Women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable, yet little is known about their use of available preventive measures. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and utilization of malaria control interventions, and examined factors influencing their uptake. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 629 randomly selected women of reproductive age in Lira City. Quantitative data were collected using semi structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), intermittent preventive treatment (IPT), and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Chi-square tests were used to examine associations, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of utilization. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically to explore barriers to uptake, and findings were triangulated with quantitative results for validation and deeper interpretation. ITN utilization was high (84.1%), IPT uptake moderate (68%), and IRS coverage low (32.8%). Almost all participants (96.8%) were knowledgeable about ITNs, mainly gained through health workers, and expressed positive attitudes toward malaria prevention (mean score: 4.34, SD = 0.67). While most (91.9%) perceived IRS as effective, concerns included bad odor and discomfort (51.7%), doubt about safety (21.9%), and effectiveness (17.3%). Age, type of house, challenges faced with nets, marital status, and exposure to health education were significant predictors of utilization. Despite widespread ITN use, IRS uptake remains limited due to persistent concerns and misconceptions. Strengthening targeted health education, addressing community fears, and improving access to interventions are critical for enhancing malaria control in high-transmission settings like Lira City.
dc.identifier.citationApio, E., Angwech, H., Opio, B., Okwir, G., Opoke, R., Malinga, G. M., & Opiro, R. (2026). Utilization of malaria control interventions and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Lira City, Northern Uganda. BMC Public Health.
dc.identifier.issn1471-2458
dc.identifier.urihttps://dir.muni.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12260/953
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSpringer Nature
dc.subjectUtilization
dc.subjectMalaria controls
dc.subjectWomen of reproductive age
dc.subjectLira city
dc.titleUtilization of malaria control interventions and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Lira City, Northern Uganda
dc.typeArticle

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