title: Factors associated to bed net use in Cameroon: a retrospective study in Mfou health district in the Centre Region.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Insecticide treated net remains a tool of choice for malaria prevention in Cameroon. However, data suggests that its use by the population, especially vulnerable groups remains low. Moreover, there is a paucity of information about factors influencing its use. We sought out to identify factors associated with net use in Mfou health district, prior to distribution of long lasting insecticides treated nets (LLINs) in households.
  
  
  METHODS
  A two-stage cluster random sampling was conducted in 4 health areas with an average of 13 villages each. A total of 541 households were selected and heads interviewed using a structured household questionnaire. Data collected were entered into a database and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the association between net use and explanatory factors were performed using SPSS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Net possession and use were respectively, 59.7 and 42.6%; thus, 2 out of 5 people who spent the previous night in households, slept under a net. Factors associated with net use included: net density≥0.5 (OR=8.88, 95% CI: 6.24-12.64), age≥5 years (OR=0.37, 95%CI: 0.28-0.47), secondary education (OR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.11-1.80) compared to primary/no education, parent status (OR=3.32, 95% CI: 2.31-4.76), house construction (OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.10-1.71) and environment characteristics (OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.80).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest that a universal coverage with one LLIN for two people should be achieved in households. Then, malaria health education should be conducted to re-enforce net use among school-aged children and adolescents, as well as older household members. Moreover, management of environment and improvement in houses construction are necessary.
authors.affiliation: The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Viviane Hélène Matong
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Tchinda
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Socpa
authors.forename: Aubin Armand
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Keundo
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zeukeng
authors.forename: Clovis Tiogang
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Seumen
authors.forename: Rose Gana Fomban
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Leke
authors.forename: Roger Somo
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Moyou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002163:Cameroon; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006798:Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D057148:Insecticide-Treated Bednets / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cameroon; Malaria; factors; health district; insecticides treated nets