Decomposition of Rural-Urban Inequality in the Usage of Mosquito Nets in Nigeria

Abstract

Background of the study: According to the World Malaria Report, an estimated 249 million malaria cases occurred globally in 2022, with Nigeria accounting for over 1.3 million cases. Between 2009 and 2021, approximately 220 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) were distributed across 37 Nigerian states, resulting in increased usage among the general population and children under five. Despite these efforts, malaria incidence in Nigeria continues to show a cyclical pattern. Objective of the study: This study examined the decomposition of factors contributing to ruralurban inequality in the use of mosquito nets in Nigeria. Methodology: The study used the Blinder-Oaxaca Group Differences to decompose the determinants of rural-urban disparity in mosquito net utilisation. The data for this work were extracted from the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Surveys (NMIS), which were piloted from 12 October to 4 December 2021. The study used data from the female file (15–49 years). Results: Findings showed that educational gap, perception, north-south dichotomy, sex of the household head, disparity in wealth quintile in the rural-urban areas contributes positively and significantly to the inequality in the usage of mosquito net that exist in the rural-urban areas in Nigeria while a reduction in the age of the household head lower the inequality that exists in the usage of mosquito nets in the urban and rural areas. Conclusion: The findings empirically establish that disparities in mosquito net usage across Nigeria's rural and urban areas are significantly exacerbated by a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors. Specifically, the observed inequality is positively driven by educational gaps, wealth quintile disparity, the north-south dichotomy, perception, and the sex of the household head. Conversely, reducing the age of the household head is confirmed to be an effective factor in mitigating this rural-urban inequality. Unique Contribution: The research findings contribute to the understanding of the variables influencing ITN usage and provide insight into the factors that contribute to disparities in mosquito net usage in Nigeria's rural and urban areas. Key recommendations: This study emphasises the importance of establishing achievable targets to alleviate disparities in education, socioeconomic status, and perceptions between rural and urban areas. By addressing these underlying inequalities, the government can effectively mitigate the rural-urban disparities in mosquito net usage