Data from: Long-lasting insecticidal net use and asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia among household members of laboratory-confirmed malaria patients attending selected health facilities in Abuja, Nigeria, 2016: a cross-sectional survey

Introduction: In Nigeria, malaria remains a major burden. There is the
presupposition that household members could have common exposure to
malaria parasite and use of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) could
reduce transmission. This study was conducted to identify factors
associated with asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and LLIN use among
households of confirmed malaria patients in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: A
cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to August 2016 in twelve
health facilities selected from three area councils in Abuja, Nigeria.
Participants were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Overall,
we recruited 602 participants from 107 households linked to 107 malaria
patients attending the health facilities. Data on LLIN ownership,
utilization, and house characteristics were collected using a
semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples of household members were
examined for malaria parasitaemia using microscopy. Data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression
(α=0.05). Results: Median age of respondents was 16.5 years (Interquartile
range: 23 years); 55.0% were females. Proportions of households that owned
and used at least one LLIN were 44.8% and 33.6%, respectively.
Parasitaemia was detected in at least one family member of 102 (95.3%)
index malaria patients. Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia
among study participants was 421/602 (69.9%). No association was found
between individual LLIN use and malaria parasitaemia (odds ratio: 0.9, 95%
confidence interval (95%CI): 0.6-1.3) among study participants. Having
bushes around the homes was associated with having malaria parasitaemia
(adjusted OR (aOR): 2.7, 95%CI: 1.7-4.2) and less use of LLIN (aOR: 0.4,
95%CI: 0.2-0.9). Living in Kwali (aOR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0-0.2) was
associated with less use of LLIN. Conclusion: High prevalence of
asymptomatic malaria and low use of LLIN among household members of
malaria patients portend the risk of intra-household common source of
malaria transmission. We recommend household health education on LLIN use
and environmental management. Study to explore the role of preventive
treatment of household members of confirmed malaria patient in curbing
transmission is suggested. Strategies promoting LLIN use need to be
intensified in Kwali.