Mask Usage Research Articles

Association Between Acne Vulgaris and Face Mask Usage in Turkish Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Survey Study

Association Between Acne Vulgaris and Face Mask Usage in Turkish Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Survey Study

Comparative Analysis of Face Mask Usage and Environmental Impact in Asian Cities during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in face mask demand, resulting in increased face mask waste and environmental impacts. This study investigates mask usage patterns and the environmental impacts of single-use and cloth masks across three phases: pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and the new normal. A comprehensive survey conducted in five cities across four Asian countries reveals a surge in mask usage during COVID-19 (6.81 pieces/week), followed by a decline in the new normal (3.73 pieces/week), though usage remained higher than pre-COVID-19 levels (1.46 pieces/week). For single-use masks, age significantly impacts usage in all cities, while gender and education level affect usage in Shanghai, Harbin, and Depok. Household income influences mask use in Shanghai and Harbin. For cloth masks, education level significantly correlates with usage in most cities. The study highlights the significant environmental impact of mask use, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Switching to cloth masks for one year could reduce carbon footprints by 44.27–81.9 million kgCO2eq, decrease solid waste by 34.81–52.41 million kg, and reduce microplastic emissions by 6.50 to 15.56 trillion particles in the first 24 h after disposal. However, this transition may increase water usage by 1.73–1.86 billion m3H2Oeq. The study also offers policy recommendations on mask usage and disposal.

Comparison of Visual Field in Healthy Eyes with Surgical Mask Usage in Different Ways

Comparison of Visual Field in Healthy Eyes with Surgical Mask Usage in Different Ways

Effects of Mask Usage During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sign and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: A Survey Study.

To evaluate possible temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms that may occur due to mask use in dentists during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic period and identify potentially effective factors. An online questionnaire consisting of three parts was sent to dentists and clinical dental students. The first part included questions regarding sociodemographic information. In the second part, questions were asked to evaluate stress levels, TMD symptoms, and treatment of TMD, if any, before (T0) and during the pandemic (T1). In the last part, professional mask choice, mask-related parafunctional movements, and breathing patterns while wearing a mask were evaluated. TMD symptoms and stress levels were significantly higher at T1. An increase in mouth breathing and mask-related parafunctional movements was reported during the use of N95 masks compared with daily life in dentists whose professional mask selection was an N95 respirator. The change in temporomandibular joints pain and muscle pain at rest between T0 and T1 was higher in those whose professional mask choice was N95 respirators than in those who chose to wear one surgical mask. The increase in mouth breathing and mask-related parafunctional movements during the use of N95 respirators may increase TMD.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Mask Usage Among Patients in a Tertiary Dental Care Center.

The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice related to mask use among patients visiting a tertiary dental care clinic through a structured self-administered questionnaire. The cross-sectional study comprised dental outpatients at Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala. The questionnaire contained demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice questions about COVID-19. Data analysis included Chi-square testing and descriptive statistics. A 99% response rate was achieved with 495 responses. There were 241 (49%) men and 254 (51%) women. The study had the most respondents aged 21 to 40 years (n = 220; 44.4%), followed by people older than 40 years (n = 204; 41.2%) and younger than 20 years (n = 71; 14.3%). There were statistically significant differences in age, education, and occupation with knowledge and significant differences in attitude and practice by occupation. This study suggests that dental patients are knowledgeable about health issues and disease prevention strategies. Positive attitudes toward infection prevention in dental clinics with higher levels of prevention practices against COVID-19 transmission rates were reported.

Mask Usage and Handling of Face Mask in Rural Health and Training Center

Background: The mask is defined as a cloth mask, medical mask, and N95 respiratory worn over the face, covering the bridge of the nose, mouth, and chin. Correct use of masks is essential. Mask usage is an important concern when visiting high-risk area as hospitals where the risk of cross-contamination is predominant. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of mask usage among patients attending the Rural Health and Training Center (RHTC). The aim of this study was to assess the association of mask usage with sociodemographic factors among patients attending RHTC and to determine the handling of face masks among patients attending RHTC. Methods: The study was directed to 287 patients in the outpatients. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, sociodemographic characteristics and mask usage details were collected from the study participants. Results: The prevalence of mask usage was 68.3%. The usage of mask was significantly higher among females (OD = 1.383, 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.836–2.286, P = 0.206), younger individuals (OD = 2.569, 95% CI = 1.423–4.636, P = 0.206), literate individuals (OD = 4.073, 95% CI = 2.040–6.892), employed (OD = 2.256, 95% CI = 1.292–3.940, P = 0.013), and upper and middle socioeconomic class (OD = 3.764, 95% CI = 2.219–6.385, P = 2.219–6.385). Handling of face mask with proper wearing and disposal were 18.5% and 25.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of mask usage was observed to be 68.3%. The study results emphasize that mask usage is a primordial prevention and mode of intervention as health education and specific protection in the general population would necessarily improve compliance and flatten the epidemiological curve.

Implications of Face Mask Usage on Diverse Populations: Challenges and Considerations

Implications of Face Mask Usage on Diverse Populations: Challenges and Considerations

Prevalence of face mask related complications among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, most healthcare workers (HCWs) were required to wear face masks for long periods of time. Since then, it has been shown that face masks have the potential to cause several physical adverse effects. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of face mask-related complications among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, we compared the relationship between face mask usage with other variables, including the type of mask used and gender. A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling, with a targeted sample of 517 participants (35% nonresponse). Data was collected via an electronic survey, the link for which was distributed through social media sites, such as WhatsApp and Twitter, to reach HCWs across Saudi Arabia. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software. Overall, 438 HCWs who wore N95 or surgical masks for 4 hours or more per day on average were recruited. Skin-related complications in the nasal area had the highest prevalence (342, 78.1%), followed by behind the ear area (333, 76.0%), cheeks (307, 70.1%), and chin (248, 56.6%). Other complications included headaches (226, 51.6%), and eye-related complications (211, 48.2%). All face mask-related complications, except for behind the ear skin complications, were more associated with female gender. Mask usage was significantly associated with the development of headaches, and eye, and skin-related complications. Female HCWs were more predisposed to these complications. Preventative measures and awareness activities should be considered to help reduce mask use related complications.

Gambaran Praktik Membuang Masker Pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Kesehatan dan Non-Kesehatan di Kota Semarang

Background: Mask usage has been determined as the main, most effective preventive measure for COVID-19 during the pandemic to limit viral transmission. The obligation of regular mask usage and replacement from health protocols across the globe has really affected the rise of mask waste in the environment. However, the waste of used mask more often than not, found in places they don’t belong. This phenomenon is connected to public awareness and how they implement good health practice on daily basis. Mask waste are also found often near where the university students live, even though they were expected to be the pillars of the public eye in terms of giving good examples regarding public health practices and measures. The objective of this research is to describe the differences found in health practices among health students in university and other students that don’t come from health faculties.Methods: Cross-sectional design was used for this descriptive, quantitative research, with simple random sampling as the sampling technique, where all university students in Semarang have the same chance to be chosen as the respondents, obtaining 333 in total.Result: According to bivariate analysis conducted, good practice on handling mask waste is found more among the health students (65,6%) compared to non-health students. On the contrary, bad practice on handling mask waste is found more among the non-health students (56,9%) compared to health students.Conclusion: Good practice on handling mask waste has been implemented well by most of the health students compared to the non-health students, whereas bad practice on handling mask waste is still found more among the non-health students compared to the health students.

The Determinants of Perceived Behavior of Face Mask Usage: A Mediating Effect of Culture

The Determinants of Perceived Behavior of Face Mask Usage: A Mediating Effect of Culture

Prevalence and Predictors of Effective Face Mask Usage Among Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Prevalence and Predictors of Effective Face Mask Usage Among Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Pro-Environmental Behavior Decisions in Face Mask Usage: A Pilot Study

Human behavior and interaction with their surroundings vary from one another. Different people may engage and behave pro-environmental based on their beliefs and understanding of the consequences of environmental problems for themselves. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and value belief norm theory (VBN) suggest that an individual perceives environmental pollution effects could influence their decision-making in daily activities. This study aimed to examine people's behavior in using face masks and their perception of environmental consequences by integrating the TPB and VBN into a single conceptual framework. This study confirms that sub-factors, including biosphere, altruism, egoistic, awareness of consequences, and personal norms, are among the predictors that explain pro-environmental behavior in Malaysia. Additionally, the cultural factor significantly mediates the behavior. A questionnaire pilot survey was conducted among 50 visitors in a coastal area in Peninsular Malaysia. The Cronbach alpha test and descriptive analysis confirm the direct and mediatory effect of the causal of the variables in the TPB and VBN theory of pro-environmental behavior when making decisions in face mask usage. The research results validate the proposed TPB and VBN theory model linkages to clarify pro-environmental behavior.

Bi-directional associations between mask usage and beliefs about reasons for masking before and after the downgrading of the legal status of COVID-19 in Japan: A longitudinal study

It is important to clarify the bi-directional associations between mask usage and mask-usage motivations. Therefore, this study clarified the changes in mask usage and beliefs about reasons for masking before and after the downgrading of the legal status of COVID-19 in Japan and analyzed the bi-directional associations between the two. Online surveys were conducted in two sets among people aged 20–69 years living in Japan: the first before the downgrading of the legal status of COVID-19, between April 18–19, 2023; and the second afterward, June 6–15, 2023. After a total of 291 participants completed both surveys, associations between using masks and beliefs about reasons for doing so were analyzed using a cross-lagged panel model. Mask usage decreased slightly but significantly between the first and second sets. Of the eight beliefs regarding mask usage, slight but significant decreases were observed in terms of relief and information effects. There was also a significant association between socio-psychological reasons other than infection risk avoidance (such as norm and relief) during the first set and mask usage during the second set. Contrarily, mask usage during the first set was significantly associated with the reasons for infection risk avoidance during the second set. The impact of downgrading COVID-19's legal status in Japan on mask usage and reasons for masking was found to be limited. In terms of promoting or mitigating mask usage, the significance of risk communication based on socio-psychological reasons other than infection risk avoidance such as norms and relief was highlighted.

The Complaints of Health Workers After Mask Usage

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complaints of health workers after the use of masks. Methods: Individuals who were actively working at the hospital and who agreed to participate in the study were included in the study. The questionnaire form was created by the researchers with respect to recent literature and was applied by the face-to-face inquiry method. Results: The study included 1557 health workers. Experiencing at least one side effect related to the mask was reported to be 72.7% (n=1135). While systemic side 40% effects (n=625) were seen; local side effects concerning the nose were 67.3% (n=1051). The most common skin-related side effect was defined as acne 38.6% (n=603). The most common systemic side effect was dyspnea (37.5%; n=585). There was a relationship between having at least one side effect and the total mask load. In addition, there was a relationship between total mask load with systemic side effects and local effects. Conclusion: The most common side effects were mostly local effects, and most of them were scar formation in the nose. A correlation was found between mask load and side effects, calculated by the type and duration of mask use. Keywords: COVID-19, healthcare workers, masks

To Mask or Not to Mask Correctly: An Empirical Look at Public Masking Behavior

Introduction: Mask usage was mandated by public health authorities globally to decrease the spread of COVID-19. These recommendations were based on data showing that N95 masks and possibly surgical masks, when worn tight against the face, help slow the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, cloth and loose-fitting surgical masks are greatly inferior. Methods: Mask use by a random observation of 100 people in public indoor facilities was recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: Out of 100 people wearing a mask, 37 wore a cloth mask. Another 36 people wore a loosely applied surgical mask. Only 27 people wore a surgical mask that covered the nose and mouth and was applied firmly against the face at its margins. There were no people seen wearing an N95 mask. Overall, people were about 70% more likely to wear a surgical mask than a cloth mask (63 vs 37, p < 0.05). Of those wearing a surgical mask, more people wore it loosely than properly (36 to 27, p=0.17). Overall, people were more likely to wear a cloth mask or improperly applied surgical mask than a properly fitted one (73 vs 27, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In public settings, using cloth or loose-fitting surgical masks was almost 3 times more common than adequately using a tight-fitting surgical mask. Out of the 100 people observed, none wore an N95 respirator mask.

The effect of mask use on allergic rhinitis symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic

Aims: Inspiratory particle load including the allergens in the inhaled air is decreased by the use of the mask, which is one of the methods for COVID-19 protection. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of masks used by seasonal allergic rhinitis patients with pollen allergy on the control of rhinitis symptoms.
 Methods: Mask usage characteristics of patients (mask type used, average number of days per week for mask usage, daily usage time),whether there was a change in the time spent outdoors during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period, and rhinitis complaints and frequency of rhinitis-related drug use before the pandemic compared to the pandemic period were investigated.
 Results:The frequency of nasal discharge (6.62±1.69; 6.00±1.89: p

Mask usage recognition using vision transformer with transfer learning and data augmentation

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted various levels of society. The use of masks is essential in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by identifying an image of a person using a mask. Although only 23.1% of people use masks correctly, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) can help classify the use of good masks to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. However, it requires a large dataset to train an ANN that can classify the use of masks correctly. MaskedFace-Net is a suitable dataset consisting of 137016 digital images with 4 class labels, namely Mask, Mask Chin, Mask Mouth Chin, and Mask Nose Mouth. Mask classification training utilizes Vision Transformers (ViT) architecture with transfer learning method using pre-trained weights on ImageNet-21k, with random augmentation. In addition, the hyper-parameters of training of 20 epochs, an Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) optimizer with a learning rate of 0.03, a batch size of 64, a Gaussian Cumulative Distribution (GeLU) activation function, and a Cross-Entropy loss function are used to be applied on the training of three architectures of ViT, namely Base-16, Large-16, and Huge-14. Furthermore, comparisons of with and without augmentation and transfer learning are conducted. This study found that the best classification is transfer learning and augmentation using ViT Huge-14. Using this method on MaskedFace-Net dataset, the research reaches an accuracy of 0.9601 on training data, 0.9412 on validation data, and 0.9534 on test data. This research shows that training the ViT model with data augmentation and transfer learning improves classification of the mask usage, even better than convolutional-based Residual Network (ResNet).

Mask‐Acne Prevalence and Risk Factors during the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Cross‐Sectional Single Institution Study

Mask usage in healthcare workers became a requirement in all hospitals after the COVID‐19 pandemic. Dermatologists have increasingly been diagnosing facial skin reactions that were attributed to or exacerbated by increased mask usage. “Mask‐acne,” which is defined as a new onset or exacerbation of acne localized to the facial area under the mask, has been increasingly reported in the general population and healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence, severity, and risk factors contributing to mask‐acne development among healthcare workers at a tertiary care center. The study was carried out via a web‐based questionnaire. We evaluated healthcare workers’ demographics, mask behaviors, confounding factors, and prevalence of mask‐acne. The total number of responders was 201, most responders were physicians (62.7%), and the surgical mask was the most used type of mask (62.1%). Results showed that 40.2% of healthcare workers developed mask‐acne with 62.9% of them having new onset mask‐acne and 37.1% having an exacerbation of preexisting acne. Age <30 years, female gender, and prolonged mask usage >8 hours were significantly associated with mask‐acne development. The study highlights the prevalence of mask‐acne among HCWs and risk factors that contribute to its development in the hospital setting.

Mask usage: a mechanical investigation of COVID-19 mask design

Mask usage: a mechanical investigation of COVID-19 mask design

Mask usage: a mechanical investigation of COVID-19 mask design

Mask usage: a mechanical investigation of COVID-19 mask design