World Applied Sciences Journal 5 (1): 25-28, 2008 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2008 Corresponding Author: Dr. Olufemi Moses Agbolade, Parasitology and Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, PMB 2002, Ago-iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria 25 Protection Practices Against Mosquito Among Students of a Tertiary Institution in Southwest Nigeria Olufemi Moses Agbolade, Olayemi Basirat Akintola, 1 1 Ndubuisi Chinweike Agu, Tolulope Raufu and Olusola Johnson 1 2 2 Parasitology and Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, 1 Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria Department of Science Laboratory Technology, 2 Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, P.M.B. 1020, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria Abstract: Various species of mosquitoes are recognized as vectors of a number of human infections in the tropics. One thousand (490 males, 510 females) self-selected students of a tertiary institution (Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye) in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria were interviewed between November 2007 and March 2008 to determine their protective measures against mosquitoes and their knowledge of the vectorial role of mosquitoes. Temporary water bodies around the halls of residence of the students were also examined for mosquito larvae. 92.4% (924/1000) of the students used nettings on their windows and /or doors and use of nettings on both doors and windows was the statistically commonest practice (x = 41.31, P < 0.001). Only 9.2% 2 (85/924) of the netting users also used insecticide-treated bed nets. Most of the students answered having had, at least, one mosquito bite 1-2 weeks earlier (x = 62.45, P < 0.001). 26.3% (263/1000) of the respondents had fever 2 in the last 1-8 week earlier. 88.4% (884/1000) of the respondents answered correctly that mosquitoes are vectors of the etiological agents of malaria, elephantiasis and yellow fever. 89.8% (132/147) of the halls of residence of the respondents had mosquito larvae in their immediate vicinity. The study shows the need to compliment personal protective measures with regular and adequate environmental sanitation in the bid to successfully check human-mosquito contact among students in the study area. Key words: Personal protection Knowledge Insecticide-treated bed nets Mosquito Mosquito larvae Nigeria INTRODUCTION against mosquito vary remarkably in different endemic Various species of mosquitoes have long been from some parts of Nigeria exist in literature [11, 12]. recognized as vectors of a number of human infections However, to the best of our knowledge, there is paucity in the tropics. Anopheles species transmit the malarial of information on protective measures against human- parasite (Plasmodium), Aedes aegypti and some other mosquito contact in Ijebu North area of Ogun State, species transmit yellow fever and dengue, while both southwest Nigeria, though Plasmodium and Wuchereria Anopheles and Culex have been incriminated for the bancrofti parasitaemia exist in the area (Agbolade et al., transmission of lymphatic filariasis [1-4]. Therefore, efforts under review). Moreover, students of tertiary institutions have been consistently made to educate the inhabitants in Nigeria have often been excluded from anti-mosquito of tropical countries on the dangers of mosquito bites. protection studies particularly in relation to malaria The motive is to effectively control the infectious control. diseases transmitted by the insects [5]. In view of the foregoing, this study was initiated to Studies have revealed that human knowledge, ascertain the anti-mosquito protection measures and attitude and adoption of the various recommended knowledge of infections transmitted by mosquitoes applicable methods of personal and household protection among students of a tertiary institution in Ijebu North area regions of tropical countries [6-10]. Similar recent studies