PUBLIC PRACTICE TOWARDS USAGE OF FACE MASK DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19 -A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
*Dr. Karibasappa G.N., Dr. Bharateesh J.V., Vishakha Sohoni, Titiksha Thakur, Aishwarya Shinde, Mansi Suryawanshi
ABSTRACT
Background: The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a new public health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of Corona Virus Diseases (COVID 19) as a global public health emergency. At War foot many strategies are being tried to mitigate the disease. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the usage and disposal of mouth masks among general public during this pandemic COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A total of 516 participants from the Maharashtra (India) region completed a questionnaire-based survey on different face covering practice and disposal methods, during the pandemic COVID -19. The self administered questionnaire distributed. Random sampling method was used for the collection of data, and the distribution of responses was presented as percentages. Explanatory statistics were performed for all groups based on the percentage of correct responses. Results: A total of 516 participated in the survey, among the respondents, Majority 466 (92.24%) preferred Mouth mask to prevent and control spread of covid. More than 78 % used reusable and used till it torn. Fabric mask was preferred by more than 50%. Majority of participants were not aware about the proper method of storage, disinfection and disposal of mask. However participants were aware about the environmental contamination due to improper usage and disposal of mouth mask. Conclusion: The inputs from this study help us to throw some light and fill up space regarding usage and disposal of mask. There is a specific and strong need to implement periodic awareness programmes about impact of injudicious and inappropriate mask usage on themselves and environment.
Keywords: Covid -19, Environment, Face Covering, Storage.
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