Knowledge among dental students about types of masks used during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Corona virus is a respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-2). Due to this pandemic, masks have been recommended as a main factor to tackle this situation. N95 respirators, surgical masks and home-made masks plays a major role in it. Shortage of these masks have been created a negative impact. Aim: The study aims at assessing awareness and knowledge about types of mask among dental students. Method and Materials: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students between the age of 17-32 years. Due to COVID pandemic the questionnaires were sent through various social platforms like whatsapp, instagram and Statistical analysis was evaluated. Results: It was observed that 95.3% were aware about types of mask and 30.2% of the participants believed that wearing mask will protect them from corona virus. And when question was raised about which mask was appropriate in this COVID 19 pandemic, about 56.4% responded that N95 respirators is the correct mask to wear in this COVID situation. And 40.9% of them stated that 4 hours is the maximum usage of surgical mask and 31.5% responded that there are about 3 levels in surgical masks. Conclusion: In this study most of them were aware about types of mask. Yet considerable number of participants were to be imparted knowledge about types of mask. Hence forth, people can be educated by conducting online awareness programmes.