Face Mask Compliance and Complacency amongst Pakistan’s Youth During the Third Wave of COVID-19

Authors

  • Spenta Kakalia Combined Military Hospital, Medical College, Lahore/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Saba Saif Combined Military Hospital, Medical College, Lahore/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Shehreena Zabreen Butt Combined Military Hospital, Medical College, Lahore/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Maryam Ibrahim Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore Pakistan
  • Muhammad Siddique Combined Military Hospital, Medical College, Lahore/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Rahat Malik Combined Military Hospital, Medical College, Lahore/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v73i2.7458

Keywords:

COVID-19, Pakistan, youth, face masks

Abstract

Objective: To assess the reasons for compliance with face mask usage amongst Pakistani youth.

Study Design: Internet-based cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Different cities of Pakistan, in April 2021.

Methodology: Persons currently residing in Pakistan aged 18-29 were included in the study. The questionnaire included questions to identify self-perceptions of vulnerability to COVID-19, followed by questions about social situations where respondents wore facemasks.

Results: A large number of (1,034,90%) respondents reported compliance with facemasks. Specifically, 1048(92%), 962(85%), and 850(75%) of respondents wore facemasks in healthcare facilities, marketplaces, or at work or school respectively. Nevertheless, when self-regulating, such as with family or around friends, compliance fell to 200(18%). Compliance turns to complacency when people are expected to self-regulate face mask usage. Females were more compliant than males (p<0.001). A large 779(68%) of compliant youth relied on information from Internet-based resources.

Conclusion: The study correlates the reasons for compliance and complacency. In Pakistan, the most compliant youth get information from the Internet, particularly official websites and social media.

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Published

05-05-2023

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Original Articles

How to Cite

1.
Kakalia S, Saif S, Butt SZ, Ibrahim M, Siddique M, Malik R. Face Mask Compliance and Complacency amongst Pakistan’s Youth During the Third Wave of COVID-19. Pak Armed Forces Med J [Internet]. 2023 May 5 [cited 2024 Oct. 4];73(2):591-94. Available from: https://www.pafmj.org/PAFMJ/article/view/7458