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Elgendy MO, El-Gendy AO, Elgendy SO, Abdelaty LN, Abdelrahim MEA, Abdelrahman MA. Perceptions, Knowledge, and Experiences of Using Face Masks among Egyptian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060838. [PMID: 36981495 PMCID: PMC10048152 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Using face masks appropriately is important for preventing the community spread of respiratory infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge level and experience of using face masks between healthcare teams to protect them and limit the spread of COVID-19 infection. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 228 healthcare members in July–December 2021. It was divided into two sections and consisted of 29 questions for a total possible score of 0 to 29. The first section was related to perceptions and knowledge about face masks (13 items); the second was related to the experience of using face masks (16 items). The average score of this questionnaire was 23.21/29 with respect to the knowledge about face masks and their proper use techniques. The healthcare team studied had satisfactory knowledge about face mask use techniques, and the study shed light on their unsatisfactory practices. Following instructions is very vital to protecting the person wearing the mask and preventing the spread of infection during health care by blocking droplets produced by speaking or coughing. Providing the healthcare teams with knowledge and experience about how to use face masks during the pandemic is critical to increase their awareness and practice in using face masks and prevent the infection from spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa O. Elgendy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University (NUB), Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Ahmed O. El-Gendy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Sara O. Elgendy
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa N. Abdelaty
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza 12525, Egypt
| | | | - Mona A. Abdelrahman
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
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