Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Understanding the feasibility of achieving widespread coverage with InsecticideTreated Nets has to be preceded by learning how people value the Insecticide-Treated Nets and
estimating the potential demand and willingness to pay so that sustainability of the intervention can be
assured. The objective of this study was to determine willingness to pay for Insecticide-Treated Nets
among households in Berehet District, Northern Ethiopia.
METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using both quantitative and
qualitative methods in five randomly selected Kebeles from January-February 2012. Open ended
contingent valuation technique with follow-up method was used. Qualitative data were collected through
focus group discussions and observation methods. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the
association between dependent and independent variables.
RESULTS: The average number of individuals per Insecticide-Treated Nets was 3.83 .Nearly 68.5%
persons had willingness to buy Insecticide-Treated Nets if they have access to these Nets. The median
maximum price a person is willingness to pay for blue rectangular Insecticide-Treated Net was 20 ETB.
People had willingness to pay 30 ETB for blue and white conical insecticide-treated nets. Working on
knowledge of malaria (OR=0.68, CI (0.47, 0.98; p<0.05), perceived benefit of Insecticide-Treated Nets
(OR=0.28, CI (0.2-0.4; p<0.05), perceived susceptibility (OR=0.64(0.44-0.93; p<0.05) and perceived
severity of malaria (OR=0.65(0.47-0.91, p<0.05) had significant association with a willingness to pay
Insecticide-Treated Nets. Respondents who prefer kebele/place/ to buy Insecticide-Treated Net for
rectangular shape had a significant association with a willingness to pay for Insecticide-Treated Nets
(OR=1.92, CI= 1.07-3.92).
CONCLUSIONS: Promotions, products, price and place had significant association with willingness to
pay for Insecticide-Treated Nets. Designing a social marketing strategy helps ensure sustainable supply
of Insecticide-Treated Nets and proper use of Insecticide-Treated Nets.
