Survey Regarding Awareness of Continuance of Mask Practices Post Vaccination

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The knowledge that the use of face masks delays the SARS-CoV-2 transmission is rapidly gaining popularity in the general population. Respiratory masks (RM) are protective devices covering a part of the face. They are designed to protect both the person who wears them and the immediate environment from breathable pollutants. Researchers have used various approaches to develop vaccines that protect against COVID-19 and as a result, they have developed different types of vaccine, including covishield which is found to have efficacy of 71% whereas covaxin has the efficacy rate of 82%. Aim: To evaluate awareness level regarding continuance of mask practices post vaccination among Dental students. Materials And Methods: In this study, a survey was conducted among 100 dental students of a private dental college by circulating a questionnaire. Google forms and links were shared in various social media. 10 questions consisting related to awareness, usage of mask after vaccination were included in the study. Undergraduates, postgraduate students of the private dental colleges were only included in the study. The data was collected and analysed using SPSS software version 23 and the statistical significance was checked using Chi-Square analysis. ( p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant) Results: It was observed that students are aware of various masks and the importance of masks, vaccination and usage of masks post vaccination. Conclusion: It was noted that there is still a lack of awareness prevailing, hence more updates have to be given among undergraduate students regarding the use of mask practices post vaccination for better knowledge