Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Face masks prevent acute respiratory infections. Healthcare workers are prone to infections owing to their direct and constant exposure to infected patients. This pioneering study in Bangalore city, analyzed the awareness and attitude of healthcare staff toward using a face mask. METHODS: This observational study was conducted among 290 subjects (mean age, 33.89 ± 7.88 years; male:female ratio, 1:2.67). The study included all the healthcare workers from various departments. Data on basic demographic characteristics, attitude, awareness, and observations on the use of face mask were collected. RESULTS: A large proportion of the sample were from the nursing department (n = 161, 55.51%). Most of the healthcare workers believed that making wearing a mask mandatory in public was very effective (80%) and 79% believed that wearing a mask could prevent the spread of coronavirus. Most of the healthcare workers said they would wear masks even when not mandatory. Most of them used an N95 mask or an N95 mask along with a surgical mask. Almost all were conscious of wearing the mask above the nose, covering the mouth and chin (289, 99.65%). A significantly higher number of doctors (medical postgraduates) (17, 45.95%, p = 0.01) used two masks when compared with others. Significantly fewer doctors (4, 10.81%) and other healthcare staff (8, 22.22%) reused masks (p = 0.002). Most of them used the mask only once, and those who reused it, cleaned it on alternate days (< 0.001). Sun-drying or air-drying, preceded by washing with detergent or soap, were the cleaning methods used, and most used paper or plastic bags to store the masks when not in use. Most of them did not use hand sanitizer before wearing the mask but followed all other precautions and measures to prevent infection. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the healthcare workers believed the use of masks could prevent virus transmission. A significantly higher number of doctors used two masks when compared with other healthcare staff. Significantly fewer doctors and other healthcare staff reused masks when compared with nurses and technicians.