Practice among Healthcare Workers Regarding the Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

• Main Authors: Sani Sipai, Bishnu Rath Giri, Sudhir Sapkota, Ram Hari Chapagain, Santosh Manandhar, Sudip Chandra Subedi, Binod Dahal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nepal Medical Association 2021-04-01
• Series: Journal of Nepal Medical Association
• Subjects: face masks; healthcare workers; practice; respiratory protective equipment.
• Online Access: http://www.jnma.com.np/jnma/index.php/jnma/article/view/5500
• ISSN: 0028-2715; 1815-672X

Introduction: Healthcare workers are always at the risk of exposure to different diseases like respiratory illness including COVID-19. Using appropriate face mask or respiratory protective equipment correctly can prevent transmission of diseases from and to healthcare workers while caring for patients. The study aimed to find out the practice regarding use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care center. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital during June-July 2020 after receiving ethical approval from the review committee regarding practice of use of face masks. Convenience sampling method was used and a sample size of 162 was taken. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Among 162 participants, 123 (75.9%) knew the correct way of using the masks (72.5-79.3 at 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: In this study regarding practice of use of face masks, most of the healthcare workers knew the correct way of using masks and practised hygiene before and after using masks.