Ernest Kateule
Zambia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Lusaka, Zambia; Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
Ignatius Banda
Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia; National Malaria Elimination Center, Lusaka, Zambia
Muziya Chika
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Ezekiel Tembo
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Kabukabu Akufuna
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Kingsley Keembe
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Lorraine Chikonka
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Marian Matipa Mulenga
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Mitolo Musumba
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Kelvin Mwakapushi
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Rehab Mwanansoka
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Deborah Tembo
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Samantha Mwansa
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Wisdom Banda
Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Chris Bupe
Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Floyd Chabu Chilufya
Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia, 5National Malaria Elimination Center, Lusaka, Zambia
Given Mweene Hatyoka
Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Danny Kabwe
Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Bright Katai
Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Danny Mwenya Katongo
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia, National Malaria Elimination Center, Lusaka, Zambia
Mateyo Moyo
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Misheck Mpundu
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Leslie Mukamba
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Maximillian Musunse
Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Lukundo Namukanga
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Martin Nyambe Nyambe
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Morgan Sakala
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Judith Sakeyo
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Chishiba Sepete
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Charles Tembo
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Richard Lubumba
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Program for Advanced Malaria Outcomes, Mansa, Zambia
Tamara Tembo
Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
Ante Mutati
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Patrick Chanda Kabwe
Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
Nyambe Sinyange
Zambia Field Epidemiology Training Program, Lusaka, Zambia; Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia; Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
Abstract
Introduction: coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is primarily spread through respiratory secretions of infected persons, and face mask use has shown to decrease transmission. In Zambia, anecdotal evidence indicates low face mask use among the general population. We objectively assessed face masks use among Lusaka and Mansa residents in December 2020.
Methods: we conducted a cross sectional study of face mask usage in Lusaka and Mansa Districts from 16-23 December 2020. A standardized tool was used to visually observe face mask usage and correct face mask usage at various outdoor locations in Lusaka and Mansa. Logistic regression was used to determine association of face mask use and correct face mask use with selected demographic variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.
Results: in total, 4070 persons were observed in Lusaka and 1166 Mansa Districts. Face masks usage was 24% in Lusaka and 27% in Mansa. Among the persons wearing face masks, 621 (48%) wore them correctly (52% in Lusaka and 35% in Mansa; p < 0.01 for difference). Being at a health facility (OR: 10.11 [95% CI: 7.99 - 12.81]), shopping mall (OR: 6.38 [95% CI: 5.07 - 8.03]), and school (OR: 2.39 [95% CI: 1.85 - 3.10]) were associated with wearing face masks compared to being at a bus station.
Conclusion: face masks usage in public spaces was low in the two districts in Zambia, which might reduce efforts to control COVID-19. Investigating reasons for poor face masks adherence may help formulate effective strategies to increase face masks utilization in Zambia.