Abstract
The use of face masks is one of the behavioral measures used to prevent COVID-19 infection. Despite the positive contribution of face masks, there is uncertainty surrounding face mask wearing in low-income countries. Using data from 1,054 respondents in Greater Kampala Metropolitan area, we investigate the variation in face mask wearing inside and outside public spaces. Results indicate that more than three quarters of the respondents wore a face mask always outside public spaces and slightly more than half wore a face mask sometimes inside public spaces. Irrespective of location (inside or outside public spaces), respondents were more likely to wear facemasks sometimes or always to prevent COVID-19 infection. There is need to raise awareness about face mask wearing and its efficacy to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Highlights
The emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019 [1], called for protective measures to curb its spread [2]
These results indicate that most respondents believe that face masks are effective at preventing COVID-19
Results suggest that most respondents believe that face masks are effective at preventing COVID-19
Summary
The emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019 [1], called for protective measures to curb its spread [2]. The results in this study can help to shed light on the level of adherence to the recommended practices of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 global pandemic in urban cities in low income countries such as Kampala, Uganda. Accidental sampling is a non-probability sampling method that is used by researchers when they want to take advantage of easy access, geographic proximity, availability and willingness of people to participate in the study [45] This sampling approach was adopted for this study given the prevailing circumstances of COVID-19 (such as minimal movements to people’s households, shorter hours of daily work due to curfew) at the time data collection was done. We collected information on the frequency of wearing a face mask inside or outside public spaces Responses to these questions were “Never,” “Sometimes,” or “Always.” Respondents were asked whether wearing a face mask inside or outside public spaces is a protective measure against COVID-19 infection.
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