| dc.description.abstract | This study focuses on evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the
general population in Sri Lanka regarding the use of face masks for COVID-19 prevention.
The research was conducted through an online survey from March 2021 to January 2022,
involving 157 voluntary participants with majority being females (59.9%). The survey assessed socio-demographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to face mask
usage. The study revealed that the majority of participants (87.9%) strongly agreed on
the necessity of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a positive
attitude towards face mask mandates in Sri Lanka. Most respondents demonstrated a high
level of knowledge (61.1%) regarding face mask usage. Majority (65.0%) of the responders
demonstrated a good attitude towards face mask usage. Regarding practices, the majority
exhibited moderate adherence (53.5%) to face mask usage. The general public in Sri
Lanka demonstrates reasonably positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding
face mask usage for COVID-19 prevention. However, a significant proportion (78.3%,
n=123) reported never using face masks for preventing respiratory infections prior to the
COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the need for comprehensive education emphasizing
the importance of face masks in preventing respiratory infections. It is worth noting
that while considerable data is available on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding
COVID-19 among specific occupations in Sri Lanka, limited information is available on
these aspects of the general public. Thus, this study attempts to address this void of
evaluating understanding, attitude, and behaviour of the general public, related to the use
of a face mask. | |
