Non-Compliance with Universal Masking Policy by Patients During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Major Threat to Health Care Worker in Pakistan

Objective: To determine the frequency of patient compliance with universal face mask policy during COVID-19 pandemic using simple observable criteria. Study Design: Cross sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi during the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic over a period of one month from 15 March 2021 to 15 April 2021. Materials and Methods: A total of 266 patients were recruited from the general population of patients visiting our hospital after undergoing screening for COVID-19 at the filter clinic. Face mask compliance was defined as the wearing of a disposable surgical mask while employing correct techniques as per the World Health Organization and National Institute of Health guidelines for hospital settings. Results: Majority of the patients (79.9%) wore a surgical face mask as recommended for hospital settings. However, only 41% employed the correct mask wearing technique. Patients under strict supervision in outdoor clinics were more likely to wear mask as compared to their indoor counterparts (76.79% vs 51.76%). Correlation was significant at a level of 0.492. One third (34.2%) of the patients did not cover their face, nose, and chin completely. An overwhelming majority (129/183 or 70.49%) admitted reusing the mask multiple times. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that while majority of the general population of patients visiting our hospital wore a face mask, compliance with correct mask wearing technique as per recommended guidelines was poor. Our results support strict implementation of universal masking policies for hospitals in Pakistan as part of a multifaceted strategy to minimize transmission of infection in health care settings.