The Use of Masks for Women During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Cloth Masks Are the Main Choice for Rural Communities, Banyumas, Indonesia

Background: The coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic first occurred in China at the end of 2019, developing into a pandemic almost all over the world. Its massive spread has made several countries adopt a policy of using masks during the pandemic. The purpose of the study was to describe the use of masks during the Covid-19 pandemic in rural communities. Methods: The research design was a cross-sectional study with a sample of the community in Purwodadi Village, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.Sampling with a total sampling, as many as 50 members of the PKK (Pemberdayaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga) at the village level. The project team obtained written informed consent from respondents. The research instrument used a questionnaire. The questions have been validated and the reliability. Data were analyzed using Chi square (X2) with p value < 0.05. Results: Research shows 70% of people use masks when leaving the house during the Covid-19 pandemic, 46% of people feel uncomfortable wearing masks, 88% use cloth masks, 60% have masks > 5 pieces, 44% of mothers' role in reminding them to wear masks and72% wash masks every day. There is a difference in the proportion in preventing Covid-19 between people who have received health education and good knowledge about Covid-19, but there is no difference in the level of education. Conclusion: 30% of rural communities have not participated in wearing masks to prevent Covid-19, and cloth masks are the first choice of types of masks used during the Covid-19 pandemic.