Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
2
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan
3
Isra Dental College, Hyderabad, Pakistan
4
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Abstract
Objective: To assess the general perspective of population their believes and myths regarding the pandemic outbreak and use of mask as precautionary measures.
Methods: A Cross-sectional observational study conducted from January-June 2020, among the general population of Karachi. Total 470 participant age range of 18-60 years were included in the study. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 21.0, for descriptive statistics. Correlation between variables was assess by Kruskal Wallis Test, spearman rank correlation was established to assess the significant correlation between Knowledge, myths and practices.
Result: Out of 470 respondents, 74.31% were male and 25.69% of female. More than half of respondents aged between 51 to 70 years i.e. 53.92%. While 21.76% respondents were categorized in illiterate category. The mean rank score for knowledge, myths and practices were 217.95±2.1, myths score was 236.07±2.1, 241.12±2.1 respectively. The spearman rank correlation was established between knowledge myths and practices, a significant correlation between was established by Knowledge-myths (r= 0.0176, p= 0.015), knowledge-practices (r= 0.0174, p= 0.001) however myths-practices (r= 0.0170, p < 0.001). Believes and myths related to the mask was concerned i.e. 56.1 were using N-95 masks, 89% respondents reused the masks, 59.1% used the mask between 2 to 5 times. Wearing mask is not a precautionary measure was mainly found as a myth in respondents i.e. 78.7%. 67.2% respondents had myths about unnecessary use of mask. The study highlighted the non-optimal behavior and practice with regards to the use of preventive measure including the use of mask in the pandemic outbreak.
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