A Cross Sectional Survey on general public?s knowledge and practices on face mask use during the COVID 19 pandemic
Author(s): Harini.P, Dr. Jayashri Prabakar
Abstract
Introduction: The proper use of facemask measures to prevent and control COVID-19 include regular hand washing, physical distancing and covering mouth and nose using a facemask. The use of facemask comprises the correct practice and wearing technique and is important in preventing the spread of respiratory infections. It is considered as a cheap, effective, Protective and safe method with minimum distribution day to day life. Hence, the main aim of the study is to create awareness of General public’s knowledge and practices on face mask use during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Materials and methods: Data collection was done by questionnaire survey. Study population contains 100 Participants. Data was entered in Microsoft excel sheet after collection and was analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics were expressed by means of number, frequency, and percentage. Chi-square test was used to find the association between Gender and Number of responses provided by the participants.
Results: 69% of females said yes and 28% of male said No among the general public’s knowledge. Pearson’s Chi-square value: 0.440. p-value: 0.421, (p>0.05) hence statistically not significant, which indicates female participants had better knowledge about layers of mask actually protected against covid-19 pandemic compared to male participants. The present study reported that 91.51% answered Yes and 8.49% answered No awareness about are you aware of the ongoing COVID Pandemic.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study it can be concluded that females had better knowledge on face mask use during the COVID 19 pandemic compared with male participants. Majority of the participants reported that correct way of using surgical facemask to protect against COVID-19.