Comparative Analysis of Knowledge, Awareness and Practice towards rational use of face masks between healthcare and non-healthcare individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: During the current pandemic, the use of face masks is considered one of the major preventive strategies to control the spread of virus. The improper use of face masks may lead to serious consequences. The rational use of face masks requires an appropriate knowledge and awareness. It may vary between the health care and non-health care individuals. Aims: To explore the knowledge, awareness and practice towards the rational use and disposal of face masks among health care and non-health care individuals. Methodology: It is a cross sectional questionnaire based study conducted among the selected towns of five different states of south India. The study participants were grouped into healthcare professionals (Group 1) non-health care individuals (Group 2). The frequency of correct responses to all the items were calculated individually for both the groups and was compared by using chi square test. Results: A total of 128 health care professionals and 301 non health care individuals were included in this study. The majority of the subjects in group 1 uses medical/surgical mask or N95 masks, whereas the group 2 subjects uses cloth/fabric masks. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of knowledge and awareness about the use and disposal of face masks. Conclusion: This study revealed that both the group members were having enough knowledge, awareness and practice towards the appropriate use of face masks. The knowledge and awareness about the used face mask disposal is minimal.