Original article

Year : 2022 | Volume : 7 | Issue : 2 | Page : 29-35

Public’s awareness on usage of facemask among general population in Chengalpattu district

Bharathi Kannan, Prabhu Subramani, Balaji Jeyapandian, Aswinthan Murugan

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for Correspondence:

Dr. Prabhu Subramani,

Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

E-mail: prabhu.dent@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction:

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the novel disease, causing the on-going pandemic with flu-like symptoms. COVID-19 spreads primarily by contacting the virus either from a COVID-19-infected individual through coughing or sneezing or from COVID-19 contaminated surfaces. Use of face mask is considered as an effective and safe method to control the spread of the disease.

Aim:

This study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of usage among general population in Chengalpattu district.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the Chengalpattu population to access the awareness regarding the usage of face mask during the pandemic. A self-administered questionnaire which consists of demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the usage of face mask was prepared and distributed to the general population of Chengalpattu district.

Results:

Majority of population, 261 (96%), knew that wearing face mask prevents COVID-19. Use of reusable, low-cost masks is preferred among the study population. Out of which, 63.6% (99 people) of the population prefer reusable masks over disposable masks (36.4%, 173 people). 78.3% (213 people) of the study population prefer low-cost masks than high-cost masks (21.7%, 59 people).

Conclusion:

The general population of Chengalpattu district have an acceptable knowledge, positive attitude, and required practice to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is strongly recommended to create more awareness and health education programs to battle against COVID-19.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP

Nil.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There are no conflicts of interest

How to Cite this article :

Kannan, B., Subramani, P., Jeyapandian, B., & Murugan, A. (2022). Public’s awareness on usage of facemask among general population in Chengalpattu district: Original article. International Journal of Social Rehabilitation, 7(2), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.56501/intjsocrehab.v7i2.593