Knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare workers in non-covid areas of the hospital regarding the use of face mask to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19): An institutional cross-sectional online survey

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is stressing the already burdened healthcare systems all over the world. To prevent infrastructure from getting overwhelmed, it is required that infection prevention practices are followed by everyone. Objectives: To assess whether a knowledge gap exists in the correct use of face masks, attitude, and practices of participants in wearing a face mask to limit the spread of COVID-19. Materials and methods: Faculty, medical officers, and postgraduate trainees working in SN Medical College, Agra, were invited to participate in this survey. All participants were asked to complete a self-administered closed-ended questionnaire about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of face masks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Quality improvement intervention was done. Results: Among the 136 respondents, 73.5% knew the correct steps in wearing a face mask, and their attitudes toward face masks were strongly positive. Further analyses showed that respondents were equally likely to wear a face mask at hospital or at non-hospital places. Moreover, two-thirds respondents reported to have some problems while wearing a mask. Conclusion: Studied subjects had a positive attitude but poor level of knowledge and good practices regarding the use of surgical face mask. Awareness campaigns regarding the proper use of face mask by utilizing all forms of available media and resources would be helpful during this pandemic. © The Author(s). 2020.