Rohit Shishodia

A survey conducted across India by ApnaMask, an initiative by EkDesh, a not for profit platform, has indicated that only 44% Indians are wearing a mask while awareness level around masks has been at 90% during ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The telephonic survey was conducted in 18 cities between people of 15 and 50 years of age. The survey covered 1800 people in cities including Delhi and Mumbai.

The objective of the survey was to understand overall compliance around wearing of masks. EkDesh has been supported by ACT Grants, which is also an initiative that includes a large number of start-ups coming together to create a fund to battle Covid-19.

Mr Shekhar Kirani, Founding Member ACT Grant and Partner Accel Ventures, said, "While India has steadily moved towards unlock, battling the pandemic needs a unified effort by the authorities at one level and citizens at another level to help control the spread. There is global evidence that face masks help in the slowdown of Covid-19 spread.”

Mr Kirani added, “In India, our survey findings have revealed that while there is a high level of awareness around wearing a mask, the compliance is very low or flawed."

The findings show that 90% of respondents who participated in the survey are aware of all the guidelines issued by the government as well as other organizations to protect from Covid-19 infection.

“However, when it came to overall practice, compliance was low, especially among the lower social strata. Interestingly, only around 44% are completely compliant in terms of wearing it correctly and in all relevant situations,” read the findings.

According to the survey, when it came to non-compliance towards covering face, breathing problems emerged (50%) as a key reason, followed by discomfort and inconvenience at 44%. This was followed by the assumption that as long as social distancing was maintained, a mask was not required as per 45% of respondents.

Further, young people within the age group 26-35 years believe that social distancing suffices as a preventive measure and are indifferent to being infected and are not convinced about the ability of a face mask or cover to control spread of virus.

Compliance towards wearing a mask was seen to be highest among those in the age group of 36-55 years. Only 28% of respondents ensured to be masked-up while taking delivery of groceries or home deliveries.  

The survey also revealed only 50% respondents wear a mask during the entire duration while out of home. Around 30% put on the mask only when someone is in close vicinity. Over 73% respondents ensure their masks cover mouth and nose when stepping out. Women are more compliant and conscious to using masks properly than men.