Face Mask Utilization in the Era of COVID-19: Nigeria Experience

Abstract

Background: The use of face masks has been accepted and recommended globally as a tool for COVID-19 protection. The government of Nigeria made wearing of face masks compulsory in public places. However, no evidence has shown user compliance or knowledge. This study investigated the knowledge and utilization of face masks among the Nigerian population. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted from July 2 to August 28, 2020 using a convenience sampling technique. This was in adherence to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guideline of physical/social distancing. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of frequency with percentage were used to present responses.Results: A total of 811 respondents participated in the survey with the mean age of 36.93±12.17 years, out of which 43.8% were male and 56.2% were female. Christians were 94.6%, those employed were 84.7%, 61.1% attained tertiary education and 50.8% belonged to a household size of 3-5 persons. Almost all the respondents 91.9% and 94% were aware that face masks can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn in the public respectively. 95.3% of the participants had used a face mask as a protection against COVID-19. Furthermore, 90.2% used face masks in the public, 53% used it when entering restricted places, 45.5% when with a suspected case and 30.7% used a mask due to fear of arrest/punishment. The majority of respondents used homemade masks (70%) and 71.2% reused their masks.Conclusion: This study demonstrated adequate knowledge and utilization of face masks among the population. The homemade mask was mostly used. However, there was a poor cleaning culture of the mask among the population. There should be intensive public awareness campaigns through social and mass media on how to clean reusable face masks.

Impact of Psycho-Educational Nursing Intervention about Covid-19: on the Pregnant Woman's Knowledge, Anxiety, Depression, and Protective Practices

“…Respondents with a post-graduate or graduate degree had a considerably higher practice score than those with only secondary education, these results are in accordance with Egbi et al ( 2020) [43] . In contrast to the findings of this investigation, the study of Edet et al ( 2020) [44] found that age was strongly correlated with COVID-19-related behaviors. In their study Kamal et al (2021) [45] found a significant relationship between practice scores and age and place of residence, but Adesegun et al ( 2020) [46] found no significant differences in respondents' practice levels based on age, occupation, marital status, degree of education, or place of residence.…”

“…In their study Kamal et al (2021) [45] found a significant relationship between practice scores and age and place of residence, but Adesegun et al ( 2020) [46] found no significant differences in respondents' practice levels based on age, occupation, marital status, degree of education, or place of residence. According to Edet et al ( 2020) [44] marital status was not substantially associated with COVID-19…”