Reasons for mosquito net non-use in malaria-endemic countries: A review of qualitative research published between 2011 and 2021

Abstract

Mosquito nets, particularly insecticide-treated nets, are the most recommended method of malaria control in endemic countries. However, individuals do not always have access to insecticide-treated nets or use them as recommended. The current paper expands on a previous review published in 2011 which highlighted a need for more qualitative research on the reasons for mosquito net non-use. We present a systematic review of qualitative research published in the past decade to assess the growth and quality of qualitative papers about net non-use and examine and update the current understanding. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Global Health, in addition to a citation search of the initial review. Relevant papers were screened and discussed. The critical appraisal assessment tool was used to ensure quality. Thematic synthesis was used to extract, synthesise, and analyse study findings. Compared with the initial review, the results showed a 10-fold increase in qualitative research on the reasons for mosquito net non-use between 2011 and 2021. In addition, the quality of the research has improved, with more than 90% of the papers receiving high scores, using the critical appraisal assessment tool. The reported reasons for non-use were categorised into four themes: human factors, net factors, housing structure, and net access. More than two thirds of the studies (25/39) were led by authors affiliated with institutions in malaria-endemic countries. Despite the distribution of free mosquito nets in malaria-endemic countries, earlier reported challenges remain pertinent. The most common reasons for net non-use across all regions of Malaria endemic countries pertained to human- and net-related factors. The research focus should shift towards intervention studies to address these issues.

Keywords: endemic countries; insecticide‐treated nets; malaria; mosquito nets; non‐use; review.