A Study during COVID-19 Pandemic among People for Attitude towards Face Mask, Social Distancing and Safe Practices in Pilkhuwa, UP, India

Abstract

Background: In spite of the vaccination available for COVID-19, the importance of non-pharmacological interventions (NPls) methods became very significant in control and prevention of COVID-19 infection. Since the government of India issued phase-wise nationwide unlock, a drastic change in growth rate of the cases was observed. This study was conducted to ascertain the practice and attitude towards the use of face mask, social distancing and safe measures by people in public with their understanding to have informeds insight regarding the growth of COVID-19. Methods: This observational qualitative study was carried out at public places in Pilkhuwa, Hapur, UP, India from 31st March 2020 to 1st April 2021. A total of 300 people were observed. Data were collected from different public (crowded) areas. Collected data were segregated into the segment based on research question and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. People were not engaged in designing the study, research questions, setting understanding or evaluating results, or research reporting. Results: People have a different attitude towards the use of face mask, social distancing, safe measure and different knowledge or understanding regarding COVID-19 and prevention. Conclusion: The confusion is due to information pollution, new unfamiliar practices, serious disease (high mortality), attack on freedom and diversion of the real issue in understanding the ongoing health crisis and disobedient attitude towards the preventive measures.