Investigating the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Mosquito Control in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mosquito vector control still remains crucial in the control and prevention of mosquito-borne diseases. The present study investigates the impact of knowledge, attitude, and practice in vector control among residents in Osun State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional approach across three study areas comprising an urban, a semi-urban and a rural community between October and November, 2025. These include Owode, Alekunwodo and Ilobu, respectively. A total of 309 well-structured qualitative questionnaires were administered to critically assess residents’ knowledge on vector control measures and others. Data were analysed using descriptive and chi-square statistical analysis. Two hundred and sixty (260) (81.6%) respondents could identify mosquito larvae with the local name ‘tanwiji’. 107 (35.2%) were aware that it is the larval stage that transforms into adult mosquitoes. Only 100 (32.9%) respondents owned long-lasting insecticidal nets and slept under them. The number of respondents, 74(60.2%), sleeping under insecticide-treated nets every night, was highest in urban settings. The majority of respondents, 216(71.1%) reported using insecticides, with 45.4% using them monthly. Antimalarial drugs were the most commonly used therapy for malaria treatment by respondents (56.6%), followed by antimalarial injections and medicinal plants (agbo) (11.0%). These findings indicate the urgent need for effective sensitization and awareness on the utilization of current vector control interventions by residents, such as LLIN, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas of the state. Additionally, there is the vitality of environmental management, which remains an inevitable measure in vector control.