Knowledge attitude and practices regarding mask usage during COVID-19 pandemic in general population of India: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Facemasks are recommended to control the COVID-19 pandemic transmission. This study was conducted with a purpose to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices among general population regarding the usage of facemask during COVID-19 pandemic to limit the spread of the corona virus disease.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted through Google forms. Questionnaire consisted of 7, 3 and 5 questions on knowledge, attitude and practices respectively. Questionnaire was shared on social media. Score of 1 was assigned to correct response and score of 0 for incorrect response, thus making a maximum score of 7 for a subject. Accordingly, score was <3 depicts individual had poor knowledge. 3-5 and >5 had good and excellent knowledge respectively.Results: Out of total 500 participants, we had 242 (48.4%) males and 258 (51.6%) females. The age of participants ranged from 20 to 60 years. Majority of participants (25.2%) were from Kerala State. Almost 97.6% reported that it was necessary to wear mask in current situation. The overall mean knowledge score was 5. The mean knowledge score was higher among females (5.07%) as compared to males (4.93%) and the difference was statistically significant. When they were asked if they know the correct steps of wearing a mask, almost 82.5% reported “yes” but while asking for coverage of mask on face only 75% were aware of it correctly.Conclusions: The overall knowledge of our study population was good. The knowledge was excellent for the age group of 20–30 and post-graduates.

Assessment of Awareness of Face Mask Use among the Rural Adult Population of South Karnataka, During The COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This indirectly reflects that the study population were aware of how bad the COVID-19 infection is and had a good attitude towards preventing spread/contacting the disease. Observations of the present study were in line with observations among adults from different Indian states made by Sayaware et al where 97.6% of the study participants had good attitude towards face mask use during pandemic 13 . On the other hand, a rural population-based study by Harshal Kawanpure et al in Madhya Pradesh 17 showed mask acceptance (87.3%) slightly less compared to our study (98.6%).…”

“…The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal of masks are essential to make them as effective as possible 4 . Lack of proper knowledge and skill set for use, among common man, especially in developing countries, has led to inappropriate use of face mask 13 . This gives them a false sense of safety and breeches the prevention measures leading to the spread of the COVID-19 disease 14 .…”

Awareness, Preferences, and Consequences of Mask Usage among MBBS Students

“…Which is similar to a study conducted by Bhawna Sayare, wherein the mean knowledge score was higher among female participants (5.07%) as compared to male participants (4.93%) and the difference was statistically significant. [13] But in studies conducted by Howard M C and by Mitrokhin, though the men were less likely to wear face mask no significant gender differences were noted. [14,9] It was also noted that there was significant association among practice and academic year of the study participants (p =0.03, at 95% CI and F-value = 2.64),this finding is similar to finding of our current study.…”