Effect of facemask, handwashing, and social distancing on contracting COVID-19 infection in Saudi Arabia: a case-control study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of self-preventive measures (handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing) on preventing the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection in Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: An unmatched case-control study (1 to 1 ratio) was conducted with a sample size of 1102. The researchers used descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses to determine the effect of handwashing, mask-wearing behavior, and social gatherings on COVID-19 infection. Results: The results evinced that participants who believed that the facemask was important for preventing COVID-19 infection were more likely protected against the disease (OR=0.450; 0.320—0.631). Using a facemask during social visits and shopping indicated a lower protective effect than using it at work (OR=1.299; 1.011—1.668). The type of mask (disposable versus cloth; OR=0.929; 0.590—0.1.462) and its wearing period (1< dayversus ≤1 day; OR=0.907; 0.662—1.243) showed an almost neutral statistical association with acquiring the infection. Contrarily, handwashing time for ≥20 seconds, compared to a shorter time, had a statistically significant protective association with the infection even after adjusting the odds ratio (OR=0.616; 0.4763—0.796). It was also noted that gathering with relatives and friends ≥4 times per month exhibited a higher and statistically significant association with the infection compared to the lower times (OR=1.347; 1.046—1.734). Furthermore, people who prayed five times a day at the mosque showed a higher risk of infection than those who prayed less than five times (adjusted OR=1.740; 1.152—2.626). Conclusions: This study suggested that handwashing for more than 20 seconds is the most important preventive factor among all considerations investigated. Moreover, it was noticed that disposable and cloth facemasks may have the same effect regardless of the wearing period or sterilization status. Furthermore, gathering with relatives and friends, as well as praying five times a day at the mosque, were ascertained as significant social factors in acquiring the COVID-19 infection.