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

Spenta Kakalia; Saba Saif; Shehreena Zabreen Butt; Maryam Ibrahim; Muhammad Siddique; Rahat Malik

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v73i2.7458

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.