Community Survey on Wearing Mask to Prevent COVID-19, Bangladesh, 2021

Aims: To understand the mask wearing behavior of people, to identify why people do not wear masks, what obstacles are present, and what suggestions people have to increase mask wearing.

Study Design: It was a cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: In the outpatient department of the government hospital, community clinics and expanded program for immunization centers in Sub district area Monohargonj Upazila (Sub district), Bangladesh from 21st November to 20th December 2020.

Methodology: Mask wearing was categorized as always wear mask in outside or not, reasons for not wearing mask, perception on prevention of COVID-19 and suggested punishment for not wearing mask. The researchers recruited people from 18 years and over from the Government Hospital, community clinics, and Expanded Immunization Program (EPI) centers in Monoharganj Upazila, Cumilla District, Bangladesh. The sample size of 384 assumed 50% mask wearing. However, 401 persons were participated in this study. A questionnaire was prepared in local language. Data were collected through face-to-face interview after obtaining verbal informed consent. Interviewers were doctors, nurses, health assistants and community health care providers.

Results: Of the 401 survey participants, 51% of the males always wear mask. Mask wearing was highest among in-service holders (68%), Hindus (67%) and students (61%) and increased with educational level and income. While 73% said a mask can prevent COVID-19 only 48% wore a mask. Of the people who don’t wear masks, 39% said it was uncomfortable, 5% felt it did not prevent COVID-19, and 8% thought it did not look nice. Most participants agreed to fine or jail people who don’t wear masks.

Conclusion: Wearing masks is a reasonable and economical intervention to prevent COVID-19 transmission. In Bangladesh, many people don’t wear masks because its uncomfortable, unattractive, and not protective. The government should encourage people to wear masks and enforce the infection prevention law on wearing masks.