ownership and utilization of ITNs for malaria control among women of reproductive age in Malawi.
Data were derived from the multi-stage cross-sectional Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) conducted in
2017, which followed ITN distribution in 2012 and 2015. Of the 3860 sampled women aged 15–49 years,
88% (3398/3860) and 64% (2473/3860) reported that they owned and utilized ITNs, respectively. Adjusted
multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of ownership of ITNs were significantly low
among women with no education (AOR = 0.36, CI = 0.18–0.72), those with primary education (AOR =
0.50, CI = 0.27–0.94) and poor women (AOR = 0.70, CI = 0.51–0.97). Similarly, the odds of utilization of
ITNs were significantly low among women with no education, (AOR = 0.40, CI = 0.26–0.63), primary
education (AOR = 0.53, CI = 0.36–0.78) and poor women (AOR = 0.70, CI = 0.51–0.97). Furthermore,
the odds of utilization of ITNs were significantly low among women living in households without a radio
(AOR = 0.79, CI = 0.67–0.93) and those who have not seen or heard a malaria message in the last 6
months (AOR = 0.74, CI = 0.64–0.87). In order to prevent malaria morbidity and mortality among
women of reproductive age, especially those from poor households, the Malawi government and relevant
stakeholders need to continue the free distribution of ITNs to the poor and encourage social behaviours
that promote the ownership and utilization of ITNs.

​​​​​​​Keywords: Women; Insecticide-treated nets; Ownership and utilization

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