Factors affecting compliance on the usage of face masks by street vendors during COVID- 19 pandemic in Pretoria, South Africa

Background: The COVID 19 pandemic has been a major concern all over the world and in a bid to limit and control the spread, several mechanisms were introduced including the usage of mask in serving as a barrier. The present study was set out to investigate factors affecting compliance to the usage of face mask among street vendors in Pretoria, South Africa. Methods: : The study was carried out in the Northern and Central parts of the city. The study adopted a mixed method approach as part of an exploratory descriptive survey design and involved 257 purposively selected street vendors selling their goods along major streets of Pretoria. The study was underpinned by knowledge-attitude-behaviour theory as the underlying theoretical framework. Results: : Key findings demonstrated that age and gender played a significant role in participants’ adherence to the usage of face masks. A major factor contributing to the non-adherence on the usage of the mask was the eagerness to continue participating in their businesses so that they could generate income for the provision and sustenance of their family needs. Some of the respondents (28%) believed that COVID 19 was a myth. While the media appeared to have played a major role in promoting awareness of COVID 19, the awareness did not translate into adherence to the usage of face masks on the part of some of the participants. Conclusion: The participants bemoaned breathing problems, discomfort, itchiness and sores as challenges associated with the usage of face masks. Non-adherence to the usage of face masks underscores the need for South African Government to assist in the provision of free face masks with a view to curbing the spread of COVID 19.