The Pattern of Use of Medical Masks Among Health Care Professionals During Covid 19 Pandemic in South East Nigeria University Teaching Hospitals

Abstract

In history, pandemic outbreaks have wiped out populations as well as paved way for innovations and advances in Medicine and Public health. This study aims to ascertain the inherent knowledge gap and practice regarding the use of medical mask by healthcare workers during Covid-19 pandemic. Methods. This cross sectional survey was conducted at six tertiary hospitals within the south east Nigeria in April-June 2020 using convenient sampling method, a total of 273 respondents was enrolled in the study. A three components questionnaire comprising demographic inquiries, questions was designed to assess knowledge and practice of healthcare professionals regarding the use of medical mask. Collated data was analysed using SPSS software version 21. Result, 73.3% of the participant thought they knew the procedural steps in the use of medical mask however only 18.3% healthcare workers had good practice on the use of medical mask. Significant difference. (p<0.05) in total mean knowledge among different cadres of healthcare workers was observed and total percentage of participant with good knowledge and practice of the use of medical mask were 37% and 17.1% respectively. A weak positive correlation was also observed between knowledge and practice regarding the use of medical mask among health care professionals in south east Nigeria university teaching hospital. Conclusion: Findings from this study has reaffirmed the importance of continuous medical education thus knowledge and practice of the use of medical mask should be emphasized according to international standards to ensure they offer optimal product performance when used by healthcare professionals.