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Hand Hygiene, Face Mask Use, and Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Students of Mongar Higher Secondary School, Bhutan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Tashi Wangchuk

    (Mongar Higher Secondary School, Mongar 43002, Bhutan)

  • Kinga

    (Mongar Higher Secondary School, Mongar 43002, Bhutan)

  • Ugyen Wangdi

    (Mongar Higher Secondary School, Mongar 43002, Bhutan)

  • Ugyen Tshering

    (Faculty of Education, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia)

  • Kinley Wangdi

    (National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia)

Abstract

Non-pharmacological measures, such as hand hygiene and face mask use, continue to play an important role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a paucity of studies on the adherence to these measures among students in Bhutan. Therefore, we aimed to investigate hand hygiene and face mask-wearing behaviours, as well as their associated factors, among the students of Mongar Higher Secondary School, Bhutan. We conducted a cross-sectional study amongst the students of Mongar Higher Secondary School in Bhutan. The students self-answered the questionnaire on web-based Google Forms. Multivariable logistic regression for good hand washing and face mask use was conducted in order to identify statistically significant socio-demographic covariates. The correlation between hand hygiene and mask use was investigated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A total of 533 students completed the survey questionnaire, 52.9% (282) of whom were female students. Facebook (44.3%, 236) and TV (35.5%, 189) were the two most popular sources of information on COVID-19 prevention and control. Good (scores of ≥80% of total scores) hand hygiene and face mask use were reported in 33.6% (179) and 22.1% (118) of students. In multivariable logistic regression, male students presented 79% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23–2.613) odds of engaging in good hand hygiene, compared to female students. Compared to grade 9, those in grade 10 were 60% (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.158–0.998) less likely to engage in good hand hygiene. Boarding students presented 68% (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.001, 2.813) higher odds of wearing a face mask compared to day students. There was a significant positive correlation between good hand hygiene and face mask use (r = 0.3671, p -value < 0.001). Good hand hygiene and face mask use were reported in less than one-third of the study participants. It is recommended to continue educating students on good hand hygiene and face mask use through popular information sources.

Suggested Citation

  • Tashi Wangchuk & Kinga & Ugyen Wangdi & Ugyen Tshering & Kinley Wangdi, 2023. "Hand Hygiene, Face Mask Use, and Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Students of Mongar Higher Secondary School, Bhutan: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1058-:d:1027831
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bob O. Amodan & Lilian Bulage & Elizabeth Katana & Alex R. Ario & Joseph N. Siewe Fodjo & Robert Colebunders & Rhoda K. Wanyenze, 2020. "Level and Determinants of Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures in the First Stage of the Outbreak in Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-14, November.
    2. Ewen Callaway, 2021. "Heavily mutated Omicron variant puts scientists on alert," Nature, Nature, vol. 600(7887), pages 21-21, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kinley Gyeltshen & Sangay Phuntsho & Kinley Wangdi, 2023. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards COVID-19 among Patients Attending Phuentsholing Hospital, Bhutan: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-14, February.

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