Self-care, Household Cleaning and Disinfection During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study from Metropolitan Cities of India

Hygiene has been noticed as one of the most effective procedures against COVID-19 cross-transmission, especially hand hygiene and covering the face with the mask. Therefore, this study tried to peek into the people movements and seeks to understand how people are handling their daily use items like fruits and vegetables, how people are managing unavoidable grooming services, how people are disinfecting themselves after coming from outside, and what all hygienic practices they are following during this pandemic. Furthermore, this study attempts to explore ways through which people are disinfecting their houses. At last, the study seeks to explore the knowledge/information people have about Coronavirus. The study collected primary data through a self-administered questionnaire. A quota sampling technique was used to collect the data. Bivariate analysis was carried out to reach the study findings. Based on the findings, it is the need of the hour to disseminate the information on the use of unhealthy disinfectants as they lack the knowledge about the safe use of various types of cleaners and disinfectants. It is also reiterated that there is an urgency to promote further information on risk factors of Coronavirus among people and compulsion to promote healthy hand hygiene and sanitation practices. There is a need to promote information through mass media and other modes of awareness, such as artwork and announcements.