Abstract
Background: Social distancing and mask-wearing were recommended and mandatory for people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was disseminated through social media assessing mask type preference and COVID-19 history amongst tertiary sector services and the rates of the triad of respiratory symptoms in each mask type, along with other respiratory-related parameters. Results: Amongst 4107 participants, 63.4% of the responders, mainly women, preferred medical/surgical masks; 20.5%, mainly men, preferred cotton cloth masks; and 13.8% preferred FFP/(K)N95 masks. COVID-19 history was less common in FFP/(K)N95 compared to medical/surgical (9.2% vs. 15.6%, p < 0.001) or cloth masks (9.2% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.006). Compared to the control group (rare mask-wearing, nonsmokers and without lung conditions), those wearing one medical mask were more likely to report frequent sputum production (4.4% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.026) and frequent cough (4.4% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.013), and those wearing FFP/(K)N95 masks were more likely to report frequent cough (4.1% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.048). Compared to the control group, those preferring cotton cloth masks were more likely to report a frequent cough (7.3% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.0002), sputum production (6.3% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.003) and dyspnea (8% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.00001). Conclusions: Safe mask-wearing should be in parallel with a more personalized and social interaction approach.
Highlights
Accepted: 20 February 2022Coronaviruses have globally affected populaces since the early beginning of the 21st century
The aim of this study is to present the mask type preferences amongst tertiary sector services and to monitor SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility in the wearing of specific mask types
The highest rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection were seen for cloth masks in healthcare providers, uniformed and university students, and, regarding medical/surgical masks, high rates were observed especially in food services and uniformed
Summary
Accepted: 20 February 2022Coronaviruses have globally affected populaces since the early beginning of the 21st century. The risk factors for a likely severe COVID-19 are prevalent, and, prevention against SARS-CoV-2 infection is highly required, especially for vulnerable cases, whereas vaccination strategies have been implemented for over a year [5,6]. COVID-19 history was less common in FFP/(K)N95 compared to medical/surgical (9.2% vs 15.6%, p < 0.001) or cloth masks (9.2% vs 14.4%, p = 0.006). Compared to the control group (rare mask-wearing, nonsmokers and without lung conditions), those wearing one medical mask were more likely to report frequent sputum production (4.4% vs 1.9%, p = 0.026). Compared to the control group, those preferring cotton cloth masks were more likely to report a frequent cough (7.3% vs 1.6%, p = 0.0002), sputum production (6.3% vs 1.9%, p = 0.003) and dyspnea (8% vs 1.3%, p = 0.00001). Conclusions: Safe mask-wearing should be in parallel with a more personalized and social interaction approach
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