ASSESSING BARRIERS TO ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE PERSONAL HYGIENE BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLE CHANGE IN COMMUNITIES IN RAWALPINDI DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objective: To assess the current habits of personal hygiene practices, to determine the role of demographic characteristics in personal hygiene practices and to identify barriers to sustainable behavioral change during COVID-19 pandemic in general communities of Rawalpindi.

Study Design: A cross sectional mixed method study.

Place and Duration of Study: Different communities of Rawalpindi city, from Aug 2020 to Apr 2021.

Methodology: Non-probability consecutive sampling was used. Both qualitative and quantitative data (sample size; n=400) was collected for understanding of the barriers in sustainability of modified behaviour during and after COVID-19.

Results: Out of 400 respondents, 43% were in the age group of 15-30 years while 30% were between 31-45 years. More than half 65% of them were males and 35% females. About 98% of the respondents practice frequent hand washing, 87% uses hand sanitizers, 75% wear masks, 67% practice social distancing and 95% cover their mouth during coughing and sneezing. The educational and occupational status of the respondents was significantly associated with personal hygiene and lifestyle change behaviour. About 391 respondents 391 (97%) were used to practice hand washing, 350 (87.3%) hand sanitizer 301 (75%) wear masks outside home. About 269 (67%) practice social distancing and 382 (95%) cover their mouth while coughing/sneezing.

Conclusion: Sustainable behaviour change for positive health and reduced transmission of communicable diseases is possible, if the nature of human beings and the cultural and religious beliefs that define them are taken into account.