ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The use of face masks is one of the preventive measures that Mozambique adopted in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. A study carried out from May 25 to June 6, 2020 found that although many wore masks, incorrect use was observed in 27.5% of the population observed. This data collection aimed to measure the degree of mask use compliance during a more protracted, higher second wave of transmission. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the City of Maputo from 19 to 28 October 2020 through direct observation of mask use of all individuals present in markets, supermarkets and bus terminals. The data were collected using mobile phones with the Open Data Kit Collect (ODK) data collection program. Sociodemographic characteristics, mask use, and type of mask used were documented. Factors associated with incorrect mask use were evaluated considering sex, age, observation period and location. RESULTS: A total of 49,404 individuals were observed, of whom 24,977(50.6%) were male, 46,484 (94.1%) were adults and 17,549 (35.5%) were observed in the markets. An observed 41,786 (84.6%) wore a mask, of whom 33,851 (81.0%) used it correctly. Not covering the mouth and nose was common; observed in 4,649 (58.5%) of those using incorrectly. Of different types of masks, fabric masks were most often used incorrectly 7,225 (21.4%). The factors associated with incorrect mask use were female gender (OR = 1.2 [1.1-1.3], p <0.001), observation in peri-urban versus urban areas (OR = 1.9 [1.8-2.1], p <0.001) and observation during the afternoon (OR = 1.5 [1.5-1.6], p <0. 001). CONCLUSION: A high proportion of observed individuals wore a mask in the context of prevention of COVID-19, however some non-use and incorrect use persists. Intensified public awareness of the correct use of the mask is recommended, especially in peri-urban areas and at the end of the day.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , Humans , Male , Female , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies , Mozambique/epidemiology , Masks , EnvironmentABSTRACT
Os Programas de Formação em Epidemiologia de Campo (Field Epidemiology Training Program, FETP) são cada vez mais necessários em todo o mundo. Com a persistência e ressurgimento de doenças transmissíveis e novas pandemias, o Regulamento Sanitário Internacional e a Agenda de Segurança Sanitária Global exigem a capaci tação de epidemiologistas de campo competentes, e em número suficiente, em todos os países para detectar, responder e conter rapidamente emergências de saúde pública, bem como garantir a saúde global. O FETP possui um modelo de formação em pirâmide com três níveis (básico, intermédio e avançando) no qual os formandos passam tempo mínimo na sala de aula, e o máximo de tempo possível no campo - fornecendo serviços de saúde pública enquanto adquirem competências em epidemiologia de campo. Em 2016 a Rede Global de Programas de Formação em Epidemiologia e Intervenções em Saúde Pública (Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network, TEPHINET) introduziu um processo de acreditação para o nível avançado do programa. A acreditação é uma oportunidade para os FETP se alinharem com um conjunto de padrões globais comuns que suportam treino de qualidade e proporcionam maior reconhecimento de seu valor para alcançar as prioridades de saúde pública do país. Em Moçambique o FETP foi estabelecido em 2010. Em 2019 o Programa iniciou a sua candidatura para o processo de acreditação. Este artigo documenta o processo de acreditação internacional do FETP para a manutenção da qualidade do Programa em Moçambique, descrevendo a experiência duma equipa que foi integralmente consti tuída por mulheres.
Field Epidemiology Training Programmes (FETP) are increasingly needed around the world. With the persistence and resurgence of communicable diseases and new pandemics, the International Health Regulations and the Global Health Security Agenda require the training of competent field epidemiologists in sufficient numbers in all countries to rapidly detect, respond to and contain public health emergencies and ensure global health. The FETP has a pyramid training model with three levels (basic, intermediate and advanced) in which trainees spend minimal time in the classroom, and as much time as possible in the field - providing public health services while acquiring skills in field epidemiology. In 2016, the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET) introduced an accreditation process for the advanced level of the programme. Accreditation is an opportunity for FETPs to align themselves with a set of common global standards that support quality training and provide greater recognition of their value in achieving the country's public health priorities. In Mozambique, the FETP was established in 2010. In 2019 the Programme began its application for the accreditation process. This article documents the FETP's international accreditation process to maintain the quality of the Programme in Mozambique, describing the experience of a team that was entirely made up of women.
