Knowledge and practices of health-care workers regarding face mask in hospital

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to know the knowledge and practices of health-care workers regarding surgical face mask. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Mask plays a pivot role in the protection of health-care workers (HCWs) from acquiring respiratory infections, special during coronavirus-2019 outbreak. A self-constructed questionnaire that contains 10 question and answer (Q/A) regarding surgical face mask. These Q/A are for knowledge assessment of staff. We also conduct an observational survey which includes 6 points about practices of HCWs regarding face mask. The strata of personnel were included doctors, nurses, paramedical and others staff. Questions related to knowledge were in the form of multiple-choice questions with one correct answer. The knowledge–practices score was turn converted into percentage before the analysis of results – >80% score for good, 60%–80% moderate and <60% poor level knowledge. Results: Completed questionnaires were sent for statistical analysis. In our study, totally 109 HCWs were participated. In which (12) 11% doctors, (76) 70% nursing staff, (21) 19% paramedical staff covered. Out of which 95 (87%) were female and 14 (13%) were male. Most staff had work experience of 2–5 years. 74% staff were younger less than 30 years. Around 63% of participants knew about correct way of wearing a surgical face mask, 90% knew that there were 3 layers, 62% knew middle layer act as barrier, 64% knew the maximum duration of wearing it, 75% knew that cloth mask was not as effective as surgical mask. 88% knew that surgical mask can be reused. 87% knew surgical face mask discarded in yellow bag. 97% knew metal strip to fit nose. Majority 95% believe that mask is required in this situation. In practices, we observed 71% staff worn surgical mask, out of which 84% staff worn it correct way blue front. 9% staff worn filtering face piece type of mask, 20% staff worn cloth mask. 15% staff nose was not covered, 2.8% staff mouth was not covered, 28% staff metal strip was not pressed/fitted and 25% staff not tied their mask properly. During observation, three staff touched the front surface of mask. Conclusion: Knowledge and practices of HCWs regarding the use of surgical face mask were found to be good-to-moderate level.