Maternal perception of masking in children as a preventive strategy for COVID-19 in Nigeria: A multicentre study.

Ann E Aronu,Edmund N Ossai,Awoere T Chinawa,Josephat M Chinawa,Obinna C Nduagubam,Wilson C Igwe,Francesco Di Gennaro

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0242650

Ann E Aronu, Edmund N Ossai + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242650

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Abstract

The use of face masks by children for the prevention of COVID 19 is still controversial, especially with regards to who should wear the face mask and at what age. The study aimed to ascertain the perception of mothers on masking in children as a preventive strategy for COVID-19. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in two health institutions among 387 mothers who presented with their children for the first time in the hospital during the COVID 19 pandemic. A pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire which was designed by the researchers was used for data collection. Minority (44.7%) of the mothers perceived masking in children as an appropriate measure for the prevention of COVID-19. The frequent reasons given by majority (55.3%) of the mothers for the inappropriateness of face mask in children included perceived difficulty in breathing (38.5%) and the child's readiness to pull it off (29.3%). A significantly higher proportion of the children whose mothers were 35 years and above, 64.2% would wear face masks when compared with 31.7% of those whose mothers were < 30 years of age (χ2 = 28.632, p<0.001). Similarly, a significantly higher proportion (51.0%) of the children who were more than one year of age would wear a face mask when compared with 20.5% of those aged eight days to one year (χ2 = 19.441, p<0.001). The children whose mothers were <30 years were about four times less likely to wear a face mask when compared with those whose mothers were aged 35 years and above. (AOR = 0.273; 95%CI: 0.155-0.478). The children whose fathers have attained tertiary education were about twice less likely to wear face masks when compared with those whose fathers have attained secondary education and less. (AOR = 0.554; 95%CI: 0.334-0.919). Mothers' perception of COVID-19 had no significant influence on children's use of face mask (χ2 = 2.337, p = 0.127). Maternal perception of masking in children as an appropriate strategy for preventing COVID-19 is adjudged low in this study. Right perception is significantly enhanced by maternal educational status, employment and marital status.

Highlights

COVID -19 pandemic has affected about 215 countries in the world [1]
Minority (44.7%) of the mothers perceived masking in children as an appropriate measure for the prevention of COVID-19
A significantly higher proportion of the children whose mothers were 35 years and above, 64.2% would wear face masks when compared with 31.7% of those whose mothers were < 30 years of age (χ2 = 28.632, p

Summary

Introduction

COVID -19 pandemic has affected about 215 countries in the world [1]. In Africa, South Africa ranks highest with 650,749 cases and 15,499 deaths while 56,388 cases and 1,083 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. Social distancing and washing of hands are the only non-pharmaceutical means of prevention [1]. It has been documented that people who were asymptomatic can transmit the novel virus and this can only be reduced by wearing of face mask. Use of face masks are very vital tool for the prevention of COVID 19 even among children, especially when they go to school and get involved in social gatherings, like in churches [2]. Asymptomatic cases can be seen in children, the urgent need for the use of face masks among them. The use of face masks by children for the prevention of COVID 19 is still controversial, especially with regards to who should wear the face mask and at what age

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