Use of Face Masks in India during COVID-19: Users Perspective Regarding Awareness and Selection

Covid-19 spreads from one person to another unless specific prophylactic measures are adopted. These measures as indicated by both Centre for Disease Control and World Health Organization include wearing a mask, cleaning hands frequently; following proper cough etiquette, and social distancing. The study draws out in-depth information from Indian respondents regarding masks covering their awareness and selection. The highly educated group of respondents contacted for the survey was female dominant with most of them in the young and middle age group. There was an equal representation of primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors of employment and a good representation (37.50%) of the quaternary sector in the study population. Mask wearing practice started after lockdown when it was made mandatory by the government, with it being used for one’s safety rather than to avoid community transmission. The majority of people (59.55%) purchased their masks. Reusable masks (69.30%) were preferred more than disposable ones. Surgical mask (75.60%) was popular in the disposable type while stitched cloth mask (64.90%) was the popular choice in the reusable type. Correlation between profile characteristics and type of mask used indicated that age and employment sector were positively correlated to reusable and disposable masks; while on the other hand, the profession was found to be negatively correlated. Conversely, education had no significant impact on mask selection and use. The study has provided valuable insight into mask awareness and usage in India.