An exploratory qualitative study on perceptions about mosquito bed nets in the Niger Delta: what are the barriers to sustained use?

Figures & data

Table 1 Sample of data extracts to illustrate qualitative themes that emerged from analysis

Theme: impact of typical sleeping arrangements	Theme: nets consume space and restrict normal family activity	Theme: perceived hazards and arduous set up	Theme: positive and negative aspects of perceived comfort	Theme: perceptions of net effectiveness	Theme: reported benefits for young families
It is convenient when the room is large and has a bed so that the net can hang; better if the room is exclusive to one person Mostly the children sleep on the bed with the net and older children sleep on the floor on foam or mat I live alone and so it [the net] does not change what I do or my routine It is ok when there is a place to tie it from, but better if its fixed in the bedroom if you have that luxury The nets are certainly effective depending on the number of persons and the size of the area Not everyone can use it, if the bed is not well positioned giving you room to set it up, you wont be able to use it The net is ok because the apartment is spacious	There is some disruption to routine, when you have more persons to sleep under a particular net site or bed One’s ability to manoeuvre his space definitely changes when the net is introduced, especially hanging it daily Well, it distorts the Room It disrupts routine, gets in the way of reaching for things you need from for example the shelf It is inconvenient, adults can’t do what they want Home is hampered whenever the net is up It also inconveniences one by tying it up permanently Sometimes we adjust the house setting to accommodate the net	Worries for young children	Negative aspects	Positive views about correct use
		I worry it will collapse and suffocate my Child It is safe to use but younger children should be observed when in use Children can chew it, or get tangled in it when trying to exit it Under fives need watching when using the net I think constant supervision is required whenever under fives are in it because of their ability to turn it into a danger to themselves General hazards The nets present a safety hazard if space is limited and can catch fire from lamps and Candles It is a hazard with the local lamp [fire risk]	Some spark like feeling happens when some nets come into contact with your hair and a lot of people dislike this [static] It irritates the body when contact is made with the skin The net can come into contact with your skin or hair, people don’t like that The net makes me feel I cannot breathe well It makes me feel like suffocation Some feel it prevents the air from reaching them The net prevents air from touching them well	Yes the nets are the most effective when they are properly fixed, and basically the goal is to eradicate malaria Yes is works but as long as it is permanently fixed The net becomes safe when you get used to using it properly They are effective when they are properly set up especially when there is room The net is absolutely safe if you use it properly Personally, I believe that with adequate space and a permanent fixture the net is effective, but truly as it stands no one round here has used the net effectively	Mothers are usually forwards on such matters because of their more attentive nature and want wellbeing for their child, so if they know about it they will want it It allows my family to sleep protected from the mosquito bite, but if I am away to fish, for work, my pregnant wife cannot erect the net Any mother will decide on its usage especially when she understands its importance
		Arduous to use The daily doing and undoing of the net is not a comfortable process Most time you are too tired to do the setting up It is very time consuming to use it The set up procedure makes me dislike the net The setting up issue is the number one problem for me when it comes to the use of the net Yes the net is convenient when there is space and a person has the skills to put it up	Positive aspects The net can keep you warm in the cold season The nets prevent mosquito bite and are good in the cold season for warmth	The net versus insecticides A lot of us do not use anything because of the cost of doing so constantly, N700 a week to fumigate and N40 for coils A lot of people feel it is easier to use coils and repellent If they use expensive insecticides then eventually they don’t use anything at all It is more economical to use a net A lot of people who do not know of its effective help in preventing malaria do so because of ignorance, or use the excuse of funds for its acquisition as a reason for not using it, they may resort to coils and locally made insecticide Local beliefs Some play on the idea that they have become immune to mosquito bites Most people do not believe in its effectiveness because they have not tried it The mosquito will come in if there are no nets on doors or windows It is very convenient to use if on the door or window