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
