Kanojia P, Chaudhury B, Kelkar P, Javadekar A, Chaudhury S, Saldanha D. Attitudes toward the use of facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian community.
Ind Psychiatry J 2023;
32:S206-S212. [PMID:
38370960 PMCID:
PMC10871417 DOI:
10.4103/ipj.ipj_201_23]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
The use of face masks by all community members for the prevention of COVID-19 infection is considered one of the most effective strategies. However, the use of masks by community members was influenced by many factors which affected its efficacy as a preventive measure.
Aim
To evaluate the attitudes toward the use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian community.
Materials and Methods
We did an online survey with the help of a questionnaire which included information about demographic data, awareness and attitudes about COVID-19 infection and its preventive measures, and attitudes towards mask use in particular.
Results
Participants had a positive attitude towards mask use. However, there were certain reasons for not using masks some of which were gender specific.
Conclusion
People had good awareness and attitude towards mask use. However, some gender differences in perception of masks used in various settings should be addressed for future awareness and education of the community about mask use.
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