Factores comportamentais associados ao uso de redes mosquiteiras em mulheres grávidas e mães com crianças menores de cinco anos nos distritos de Limpopo e Chibuto, província de Gaza

Abstract

Although malaria prevention strategies are regularly being implemented, which include the massive distribution of insecticide-treated nets, in 2021, Mozambique was in fourth place in terms of estimated number of cases and deaths from malaria, respectively on a global level. The Province of Gaza, in 2018, had one of the lowest percentages regarding the use of mosquito nets. Objective: To analyze the behavioral factors associated with the use of insecticide-treated nets in pregnant women and mothers with children under 5 years of age in the Districts of Limpopo and Chibuto. Methodology: a descriptive, qualitative cross-sectional study was carried out. In-depth interviews were applied to 48 pregnant women with children under five years old. Convenience sampling was used. Data coding, comparison and content analysis were carried out using the Maxqda software, version 12. Results: most of the interviewees (20/24) stated that the mosquito net serves to protect them from mosquitoes and said that they had experienced the adverse effects of the insecticide impregnated in the mosquito net, such as: allergy, phobia, and feeling of increased temperature. Half of the pregnant women (11/24) , regarding the key messages, mentioned that only the mosquito net was provided and no information about the care to be taken with the net was given before its use. Conclusion: the adverse events of the insecticide impregnated in the mosquito net, preference for using the net in the summer, perception of the absence of mosquitoes in the winter, provision of incomplete and incorrect key messages, are factors that influence the use of the mosquito net, therefore, it is recommended the provision of complete and correct key messages is sought, as well as contemplating an integrated plan of multisectoral activities after the distribution of mosquito nets for the massification of their use