Table 3.
Practices regarding masks and general preventive measures during the pandemic among maternity providers, Pakistan 2020 (N=452)
| Practices | Total | Midwives | Doctors | p† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good a | Good | Good | ||
| n % | n % | n % | ||
| I inspect each item before use to be sure it is in good condition with no degradation, tears or wear that could affect performance. | 356 (78.8) | 120 (69.8) | 236 (84.3) | 0.001** |
| When providing direct care to COVID-19 patients, in the absence of aerosol generating procedures, I use a medical mask, gown, gloves, eye protection (goggles or face shield) and perform hand hygiene. | 448 (99.1) | 172 (100) | 276 (98.6) | 0.115 |
| When providing direct care to COVID-19 patients in settings where aerosol generating procedures are frequently in place, I use a respirator, gown, gloves, eye protection (goggles or face shield), apron and perform hand hygiene. | 372 (82.3) | 144 (83.7) | 228 (81.4) | 0.535 |
| In preliminary screening not involving direct contact I maintain 1 m distance, when physical distance is not feasible, I use a mask and eye protection. | 380 (84.1) | 136 (79.1) | 244 (87.1) | 0.023* |
| During physical examination of patients without symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, I use PPE according to standard precautions and risk assessment and perform hand hygiene. | 400 (88.5) | 152 (88.4) | 248 (88.6) | 0.949 |
| During physical examination of a patient with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, I use a medical mask, gown, gloves, eye protection (goggles or face shield) and perform hand hygiene. | 384 (85.0) | 144 (83.7) | 240 (85.7) | 0.565 |
| During first screening (temperature measurement) not involving direct contact, I maintain 1 m distance, when physical distance is not feasible and yet no patient contact, I use a mask and eye protection. | 308 (68.1) | 116 (67.4) | 192 (68.6) | 0.802 |
| During second screening (i.e. interviewing patients with fever for clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 disease and travel history), I maintain physical distance of at least 1m, wear a medical mask, gloves and perform hand hygiene. | 312 (69.0) | 116 (67.4) | 196 (70.0) | 0.568 |
| If mask/respirator becomes difficult to breathe through or all other PPE (mask/respirator /gown /face shield /goggles) becomes wet, soiled, damaged, or exposed to splash of chemicals, infectious substances, or body fluids, I remove it. | 404 (89.4) | 136 (79.1) | 268 (95.7) | 0.001** |
| If displaced from the face for any reason or if the front of the respirator/mask is touched to adjust it, I follow the safe procedure for removal and do not touch the front of the respirator/mask. | 396 (87.6) | 132 (76.7) | 264 (94.3) | 0.001** |
| I perform hand hygiene frequently, using an alcohol-based hand-rub if hands are not visibly dirty or soap and water. | 420 (92.9) | 156 (90.7) | 264 (94.3) | 0.149 |
| I use respiratory hygiene, i.e. cover my nose and mouth with a bent elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing, dispose of the tissue immediately after use, and perform hand hygiene. | 404 (89.4) | 152 (88.4) | 252 (90.0) | 0.585 |
| I refrain from touching my mouth, nose and eyes. | 380 (84.1) | 144 (83.7) | 236 (84.3) | 0.873 |
a
Good = always and mostly.
*
p<0.05.
**
p<0.01.
†
Chi-squared test.