Knowledge and attitudes, challenges in face masks usage among employees due to covid-19 (special reference to Amana Takaful Plc)

Abstract

The face mask is recommended as personal protection equipment and as a public health measure to prevent the virus. The face mask is an additional safety protocol when other measures aren’t feasible among employees. The main purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude, practices, barriers among employees of (Amana Takaful PLC) about the proper use of face masks to mitigate the spread of COVID - 19. The descriptive study was carried out with a mixed-method approach. 35 samples were selected under a simple random sampling method. The questionnaire was administrated through selected samples to participants’ email IDs and WhatsApp. The telephone interview was conducted allocating 15-20 minutes for each participant. Moreover, quantitative data was analyzed through SPPS and variables categories by thematic analysis. The study has found that the Majority of the participants know about face mask usage. 47.2% of participants have strongly agreed that face mask mitigates the COVID - 19 and 65% of participants have used surgical and K95 masks for office. Further, there was a high strong association between the method of wearing a face mask and gender. Chi-square says the relationship between the variables are statistically not significant (P<.612, P< .223) and significant. (P<.000, P< .000). Most of them declared that they had skin allergies, ear pain, breathing problems, hypertension, and tension as physical and mental challenges. In addition challenges in communication with customers due to face mask is a moderate association between these variables and statistically significant. (p>0.000.P>0.000, P>0.000) giving awareness and maintaining social distance within 12 feet with masks in the workplace are implementation methods among employees. However, the effectiveness of this measure is highly debated among the employees of Amana Takaful PLC. Urgent researches are also needed on methods and designs to mitigate the downsides of the face mask effects.