Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: Masks use/misuse at tertiary health-care center in northern India

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can spread via a cough or respiratory droplets, contact with bodily fluids, or from contaminated surfaces. Aerosol-generating procedures, such as noninvasive ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula, bag-mask ventilation, and intubation are of particularly high risk. Standard precautions, including strict hand hygiene and appropriate use of mask are vital preventive measures. The objective of this study was to assess the adherence rate among the health-care workers (HCWs) to the judicial use of masks during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) at a tertiary health-care center in northern India.METHODS: Institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was done to evaluate the proper utilization of masks and hand hygiene practices at the tertiary level of healt care in India. Data were collected and analyzed using Epicollect 5 app and the WHO hand hygiene audit tool.RESULTS: Among the 252 total opportunities for performing hand hygiene, only 72 (28.6%) moments were utilized. One hundred and eighty one (39.87%) HCWs applied the mask inappropriately, i.e., other than the one indicated. Overall adherence to guidelines for mask use was found in 195 (34.7%) HCWs, whereas nonadherence was among 366 (65.2%) HCWs.CONCLUSION: Proper hand hygiene and judicious use of mask are crucial for preventing the transmission of infection. However, the utilization of masks is under or mis-utilized for most of the time. We suggest didactic training and educational interventions to be followed for capacity building and motivating the HCWs for infection prevention practices.