Table 4 Technique of using face mask (n = 1500)

1. Perform hand hygiene before wearing the face mask.

Participants did not perform hand hygiene before putting on the face mask.

2. Choose the appropriate size of face mask.

Participants chose an oversized face mask or chose an undersized face mask.

3. Ensure the colored side of the face mask is facing outwards.

Participants placed the colored side of the face mask inwards.

4. Ensure the part with metallic strip is on the upper side.

Participants placed the metallic strip lowermost.

5. Position the elastic band properly.

Participants positioned the elastic band to the middle of the ear back or curled up the elastic band to the arm of the glasses.

6. Press firmly on the metallic strip to the bridge of nose and face.

Participants did not mold the metallic strip or molded the metallic strip up to the bridge of the nose only.

7. Extend the face mask to cover mouth, nose and chin.

Participants did not extend the face mask or extended the face mask partially to cover the nose and mouth only.

8. Avoid touching the face mask once it is secured.

Participants touched the face mask while handling the glasses, scratching the face or rubbing the nose.

9. Perform hand hygiene before taking off the face mask.

Participants did not perform hand hygiene before taking off the face mask.

10. Touch only the elastic bands.

Participants touched the surface of the face mask or folded the face mask inside the palm.

11. Dispose of the used face mask in a lidded rubbish bin.

Participants disposed the used face mask in a rubbish bin without a lid.

12. Perform hand hygiene after disposing the face mask.

Participants did not perform hand hygiene after disposing the face mask.