'Towards prevention of COVID-19 among children in Ghana: Parents' views about children wearing nose masks in public gatherings.

Objectives: The authors examined parents' views about children nose-masking in public gatherings in Ghana between January and May 2021.

Study Design: This is exploratory sequential mixed methods study comprising qualitative and quantitative components.

Methods: Four hundred and thirty-nine parents were interviewed using author-developed structured questionnaires and interview guides in a public University in Ghana. Ten respondents in the company of at least three children and of high academic status were further interviewed in-depth to obtain some qualitative information on the research topic. All interviews were conducted in English. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 whiles qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Results: In Ghana, various types of nose masks are use in public gatherings. Profiles of respondents show that females (89%) with higher educational attainments (69%) supported children's nose masking. Mothers (91%) affirmed the relevance of nose masking by children aged 0-15 years as against 30% of male respondents who did not know the importance of nose masking among this age group. A strong Linear female correlation (0.018) backed by positive qualitative responses by mothers supported children's nose masking. A significant positive correlation (0.042) was also observed between respondents' educational attainment and perceptions of children nose masking. The authors further observed that materials used for producing children's nose masks and duration of wearing as key parental concerns.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need by public health institutions for risk communication on the safety of masks for children, their efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection as well as seeking collaborations with relevant nose mask producers to design appropriate child-friendly nose masks to ensure compliance for child safety.