A Campaign to Improve Practices of Infection Prevention at Small Shops of Essential Items During the Time of Covid 19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of masks distribution and awareness pamphlets on practices of social distancing and infection prevention at small shops of essential items during the time of COVID 19 Pandemic Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study in which three cycles of observations were carried out at 120 small shops of essential items before, immediately, and two weeks after the intervention during weekdays and weekends. Interventions introduced included the distribution of masks and awareness pamphlets on physical distancing and infection prevention and an educational session with shopkeepers. The main outcome measures were practices of shopkeepers and customers related to wearing masks properly and maintenance of distance of at least three feet. The outcome indicators were compared using the Cochrane Q test. Results: Before the intervention on weekdays, only 4.1% of shops had any system of hand hygiene which increased to 19.6% immediately post intervention but reduced to 0% two weeks after the intervention. The practice of wearing a mask with nose covered increased from 13.2% before the intervention to 62.3% immediately after the intervention, however, it dropped to 30.8% two weeks after the intervention. Comparison of distance maintenance between the customers showed that none of the customers maintained three feet distance between themselves before the intervention, which improved to 9.5% immediately after the intervention but reduced to 1.8% two weeks after the intervention. Conclusion: Practices of infection prevention at small shops were found to be poor, which showed temporary improvement post-intervention. Sustained regulatory and educational measures are needed to improve the practices.