Abstract
BackgroundSociodemographic variables may impact decision making regarding safety measures. The use and selection of adequate face masks is a safety and health measure that could help minimize the spread of COVID-19 infection.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine sociodemographic variables and factors relating to COVID-19 that could impact decision making or the choice to use or not use face masks in the prevention and care of a possible COVID-19 infection among a large sample of younger and older Brazilian people.MethodsAn online survey composed of 14 closed-ended questions about sociodemographic variables and COVID-19 was used. A total of 2673 participants consisted of Brazilian people (aged ≥18 years) from different states of Brazil and were grouped according to age (≤59 years and ≥60 years). To compare the variables of interest (associated with wearing a face mask or not), chi-square and likelihood ratio tests were used (with P<.05 being significant).ResultsMost of the participants in both groups were women from the southeast region who had postgraduate degrees. Approximately 61% (1452/2378) of individuals aged ≤59 years and 67.8% (200/295) of those aged ≥60 years were not health professionals. In the group aged ≤59 years, 83.4% (1983/2378) did not show COVID-19 signs and symptoms, and 97.3% (2314/2378) were not diagnosed with COVID-19. In the older adult group, 92.5% (273/295) did not show signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and 98.3% (290/295) were not diagnosed with the disease. The majority of the participants in both groups reported using face masks, and their decision to use face masks was influenced by the level of education and their occupation as a health professional.ConclusionsYounger and older adults have worn face masks during the COVID-19 outbreak. It is difficult to measure how much of a positive impact this attitude, habit, and behavior could have on the degree of infection and spread of the disease. However, it can be a positive indicator of adherence to the population’s security and safety measures during the pandemic.
Highlights
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which mainly affects the functioning of the pulmonary system [1]
Current evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has a much higher mortality rate in older adults due to morbidities and bad lifestyle associated with aging [2]
Factors associated with increased risk of mortality in COVID-19 include comorbidities related to aging, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disorders, and individuals, especially older adults, are at risk of having lower functional capacity and physical activity levels [3,4,5], which makes them more vulnerable to the infection [2,4]
Summary
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which mainly affects the functioning of the pulmonary system [1]. Factors associated with increased risk of mortality in COVID-19 include comorbidities related to aging, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disorders, and individuals, especially older adults, are at risk of having lower functional capacity and physical activity levels [3,4,5], which makes them more vulnerable to the infection [2,4]. During periods of social isolation and physical distancing for a pandemic, coping strategies (physical activity and adequate diet) and safety measures (use of face masks) that promote well-being and improve or maintain the general state of health should be performed and encouraged among the general population to mitigate the negative impacts of the disease [6]. The use and selection of adequate face masks is a safety and health measure that could help minimize the spread of COVID-19 infection
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