[01] Ma Jing Hung, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia. [02] Manjushree Yogarajah, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia. [03] Ramiyahvatani Gurunatham, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia. [04] Kokulathrsan Vijayakumar, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia. [05] Gunamuni Senuri Uthara De Silva, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Melaka, Malaysia.

A face mask can be described as a simple, lightweight, protective covering that is used over the nose and mouth to prevent particulates from the air entering the respiratory tract or oral cavity and is widely used amongst healthcare professionals. In early 2020, with the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, its use among the public has increased as an initiative taken to reduce and prevent the rapid spread of the virus. This research study was designed to assess the perception of medical students on the use of face masks in controlling and preventing COVID-19 infection as well as future face mask usage. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to June 2021 among undergraduate medical students of Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM). An online questionnaire was distributed among medical students of varying clinical experience and 108 responses were collected. All statistical tests were done using Epi info Software (v7.2.4.0). The data was analysed using frequency tables, odds ratio, and correlation. Findings reveal that 99.1% of participants currently wear face marks as per government regulations. A significant association was observed between gender and a sense of relief felt by face mask usage (95% CI -1.154, -0.240; p-value 0.003). Another significant association between exposure to clinical settings and sense of relief was also found (95% CI -0.832, -0.031; p-value 0.035). Many participants believe that they would continue to wear a face mask even when the WHO has declared the society of being safe from the virus (69.4%); 29% gave self-protection as a reason whilst 26% mentioned they would do it with the intention of protecting others. Based on the results of the study male gender is 1.26 times more likely to continue wearing face masks in the future compared to females (95%CI 0.47, 3.37; x² 0.213; p-value 0.644). This study also showed that medical students with no exposure to clinical setting are 2.05 times more likely to continue wearing face masks in the future compared to students with exposure to clinical setting (95%CI 0.87, 4.82; x² 2.778; p-value 0.096). Overall, the perception of medical students on the use of face masks remains high with high compliance to government regulations on face mask usage. For the foreseeable future, we recommend medical students to continue wearing face masks.

Face Mask Usage, Cross Sectional Study, Undergraduate Students

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