Homemade Cloth Face Masks Identification in Indonesia

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indonesian government have advised the use of cloth face masks by medi-cal and non-medical personnel to prevent Covid-19 transmis-sion. However, many people find it difficult to wear these masks when doing various activities outside their home. The cloth face masks used in Indonesian communities vary signifi-cantly in models, materials, and number of layers with a signifi-cant number providing discomfort to people. Therefore, this research aims to identify the factors that influence the comfort of cloth face mask model circulating in the public. Phenomeno-logical research design through completed participant observa-tion and open-ended inter-view with seven lecturers and three education personnel were used to obtain more in-depth data. The results showed that despite the availability of various models in circulation, none were comfortable to use while talk-ing and breathing. On the other hand, their straps use a lot of materials causing pain in the earlobe. Therefore, people prefer irrespective disposable masks of their ability to pollute the en-vironment when not properly disposed. In conclusion, it is nec-essary to have a homemade cloth face mask that provides com-fort to people.