Face Mask Usage for Preventing Covid-19 Among Working Individuals in Klang Valley
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Abstract
Introduction: Like many other countries grappling with the effects of the pandemic, Malaysia has faced the challenge of the highly contagious Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which threatens respiratory health. The workplace has emerged as a significant source of COVID-19 infections, underscoring the vulnerability of this demographic to the virus. Despite numerous reports stressing the importance of wearing face masks as a preventive measure, there is a lack of attitude towards their usage. Methods: This quantitative study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers to using face masks to prevent COVID-19 infections among working adults in the Klang Valley area. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit participants (n=385). Data was collected online and face-to-face using a self-administered questionnaire with a validated instrument (α>0.7). Results: The findings reveal a commendable level of knowledge (mean = 4.50, SD = 0.25) and a moderately positive attitude towards wearing face masks for COVID-19 prevention (mean = 2.66, SD = 0.74), alongside identified barriers associated with their usage. There are significant variations in knowledge and attitude across age, gender, and educational level (p<0.05). However, the perceived barriers were not significantly correlated with the educational background. Conclusion: The study outcomes highlight the need for health education initiatives to enhance awareness regarding face mask usage. Additionally, exploring innovative face mask designs could help mitigate perceived obstacles to adoption.
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