Wear Facemasks Research Articles

The drivers and barriers of wearing a facemask during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Switzerland

Encouraging people to wear a facemask in situations where social distance is not possible is a relatively low-cost and low-impact measure to protect people from infections with SARS-CoV-2. Thus, the present study investigated various barriers and drivers regarding people’s self-reported wearing of protective facemasks in mandatory and non-mandatory situations. Data from a longitudinal study with four waves in Switzerland was used (N = 728). The findings show that the compliance with “wearing a facemask” increased over the duration of the pandemic, particularly after the lockdown measures were lifted. More importantly, the study shows that perceived effectiveness of wearing a facemask are important drivers, while various perceived costs (e.g., financial, comfort) act as barriers. Risk communicators should be aware that the communicated effectiveness (self or others) is associated with people’s willingness to wear facemasks in public, independently of the involved and perceived costs or whether wearing a facemask is mandatory or not. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2022.2038244 .

Efficacy and practice of facemask use in general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In recent decades, respiratory infections, including SARS, HINI and the currently spreading COVID-19, caused by various viruses such as influenza and coronavirus have seriously threatened human health. It has generated inconsistent recommendations on the mandatory use of facemasks across countries on a population level due to insufficient evidence on the efficacy of facemask use among the general population. This meta-analysis aimed to explore (1) the efficacy of facemask use on preventing respiratory infections, and (2) the perceptions, intentions, and practice about facemask use among the general population worldwide. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, bioRxiv, and medRxiv databases since inception to August 17, 2020. From 21,341 records identified, eight RCTs on facemask in preventing infections and 78 studies on perception, intention, and practice of facemask use among the general population were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis of RCTs found a significant protective effect of facemask intervention (OR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.71–0.99; I2 = 0%). This protective effect was even more pronounced when the intervention duration was more than two weeks (OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.66–0.88; I2 = 0%). The meta-analysis of observational studies on perception, intention, and practice on facemask use showed that 71% of respondents perceived facemasks to be effective for infection prevention, 68% of respondents would wear facemasks, and 54% of respondents wore facemasks for preventing respiratory infections. Differences in perception, intention, and practice behavior of facemask use in different regions may be related to the impact of respiratory infections, regional culture, and policies. The governments and relevant organizations should make effort to reduce the barriers in the use of facemasks.

The relationship between demographic factors and levels of self-care against coronavirus in pregnant women referred to maternity wards

SummaryBackgroundThe adverse effects of coronavirus infection on pregnant women and their infants are not apparent. The best strategies to deal with this disease is avoiding the infection and preventing its transmission.Purposethe present study aimed to investigate the relationship between demographic factors and levels of self-care against coronavirus in pregnant women referred to maternity wards of Kerman, southeast Iran.MethodThe present descriptive study was conducted on 200 pregnant women who referred to maternity wards in Kerman in 2020 and met the inclusion criteria. The required information was collected using demographic and obstetric questionnaires and a self-care checklist.FindingsThe mean age of the participants was 28.89 ± 7.07. Iranian and Afghan citizens comprised 82 and 18% of the participants, respectively. The highest level of self-care measures against coronavirus in pregnant women was attributed to the use of face masks (74%), and the lowest was warning the personnel to wear masks (28%). There was a statistically significant relationship between the nationality of the participants and warning the personnel to wear facemasks (r = 0.183; p = 0.02), having a sick spouse (r=0.149;P = 0.039), and having a sick child (r = 0.191; p = 0.043), and between the husbands’ job and the patients’ demand for a private room (r = 0.173; p = 0.013). There was an inverse relationship between mothers’ age and warning the personnel about paying attention to their hygiene (r = -0.145; p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe results indicated that most pregnant women in the present study were active in self-care against coronavirus. Using face masks was more widely followed than other self-care measures; moreover, there was a relationship between personal characteristics and self-care levels.

COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on the rate of viral conjunctivitis.

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic led Spain to order a state of alert with the cessation of non-essential activities on 14 March 2020, and to implement public health interventions (such as home confinement) and other health recommendations to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (hand washing and the obligation to wear face-masks). These factors could have influenced the rate of viral conjunctivitis.MethodIn this retrospective, noninterventional, descriptive study, the incidence of viral conjunctivitis in an emergency department of a national hospital is compared over two distinct time periods: pre-COVID (13 March-30 September 2019, one year before the start of the pandemic) and COVID (13 March-30 September 2020).ResultsIn the first period there were 436 cases of conjunctivitis, of which 168 (38.5%) were confirmed cases of viral conjunctivitis 168 (38.5%), while in the second period there were 121 recorded cases, of which the most frequent were allergic and traumatic (23 cases; 19% each group), bacterial (15 cases; 12.3%) and viral (15 cases; 12.3%). The diagnosis of viral conjunctivitis is the one that suffered the most significant relative reduction (48.5%), while other types of conjunctivitis hardly changed their relative frequency between these two periods of time.ConclusionsViral conjunctivitis is the most frequent infectious disease of the eye and has a transmission rate similar to that of coronavirus, so the measures implemented could positively affect its incidence.

Impact of prolonged use of facemask in COVID-19 pandemic on the health of the population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Face masks have become a crucial part of everyday life across the globe since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Objectives: To study the impact of prolonged use of facemasks on the health of the population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Method: This was a cross sectional study; the non-probability convenient sampling method was used to collect data on 248 subjects via online-Google form questionnaire. The questionnaire provided information on the personal, sociodemographic characteristics, and clinical aspects of the studied subjects. Statistical analysis: data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The Chi square test of significance was used. The level of significance was 0.05. Results: Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is common in Saudi Arabia. About 25% of the subjects did not use facemasks. Almost all the subjects who used facemasks knew how to wear them and the reason for their use, and were worried about catching RTI. A minority of the studied subjects didn’t know the association between chronic diseases and RTI. Males significantly felt more than females that wearing facemasks would make them embarrassed, and would affect critically their social communication. The majority of the studied subjects did not want to wear a mask when they had flu, and they thought that others should protect themselves. Facemasks interfere withsmoking habits and practicing exercise. Wearing masks was associated with a feeling of difficulty of breathing when walking, causing headache, skin problems and sore throat. Also the majority could not handle wearing masks for 3 hours straight. About 60% of the subjects felt uncomfortable when they sit with people who do not wear masks. The females significantly felt that the surgical mask is better than the cloth mask, compared to males. The majority prefer to wear one mask only, and use it several times. Conclusion: Respiratory tract infection is common in Jeddah city. A great proportion of the subjects do not wear facemasks in public places, particularly when they have flu. Wearing of facemasks is associated with several clinical adverse effects. The knowledge about types and use of the facemasks is deficient in a great proportion of the population. These points will help the health care planners when they design health education programs to educate the public about use of facemasks and the ways to avoid physical side effects Keywords: Face Masks, Jeddah, Covid-19 pandemic, respiratory symptoms.

Pojava modnih elemenata kod zaštitnih maski za lice tokom ranih faza pandemije Covid-19 - podaci sa društvenih mreža - II deo - istraživanje trendova maski kod korisnika Pinteresta

The global Covid 19 pandemic introduced a new item in everyday dress - the protective facemask. During 2020, fashion elements crept in the design of this primarily functional item. This research aims to analyse fashion trends in protective facemasks in the early stages of the Covid 19 pandemic. Photos with protective facemasks on social media were used, as traditional fashion photography underrepresents facemask wearing. The research showed that protective facemasks on Pinterest - a social medium used for taste discovery, showed cheerfulness, humour and individual creativity in facemask design. The uncertainty on how long non-pharmaceutical solutions in the fight against Covid 19 will be in place raises the question if fashion should be ignored. When persuading people to wear facemasks could fashion be the carrot to the stick of legislation?

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Corona (COVID-19) among General Population in Pakistan

Objective: COVID-19 began in Wuhan, China, and has since spread around the world, becoming the leading cause of death in 2020 from the day it infected the first human. The aim of this study was to determine how well the general public knew about COVID-19 and to investigate their attitudes and practices. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted for the period of two months from July 2021 to August 2021.The sample size was 907. Questionnaire was divided into three components and gathered information about demographic data, knowledge of COVID-19 and their practice section that involves steps taken by the individual to prevent contracting the infection and data was analysed. Results: In this study, 51 %( 463) participants were males and 49 %( 444) were females. 91% of respondents responded that they are aware of the fact that covid-19 is contagious infection. 54% of candidates take preventive measures such as they wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, steam inhalation, wear facemasks etc. 50% of respondents are practicing social distance through only going out for essentials for food items, while 16% do social distancing by working from home. Conclusion: The participants indicated a high level of awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic, its outbreak, and basic information about it. Educated people are more likely to believe the scientific facts thus more compliance with preventive measures.The majority of them were satisfied with the actions done by the Government of Punjab. Keywords: Awareness; Attitude; Practices; COVID-19; Public.

Effects of COVID-19 on customer service experience: Can employees wearing facemasks enhance customer-perceived service quality?

Wearing a facemask is an effective part of personal hygiene management (WHO, 2020). Not only can it offer healthy people some protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, but it can also reduce the spread of the virus. Wearing facemasks, as a part of the various regulations and guidelines encouraged by the Chinese government and hospitality firms, has been widely accepted by the public in the post-COVID-19 era in China. But few studies have considered the effects of employees wearing facemasks on the customer service experience. Based on signaling theory, this experimental study explores the effects of hotel employees wearing facemasks on customer perceptions of service quality. The results indicate three main effects. (a) Having employees wear facemasks can improve perceptions of customer service quality. (b) Customers commonly feel that female employees wearing facemasks could provide higher service quality than male mask-wearing employees, but the improvement in customer perception with male employees wearing facemasks is greater than the situation between facemask-less and facemask-wearing females. (c) Customer perceptions of employee expertise, employee trustworthiness, and hotel trustworthiness play serial mediating roles. Recommendations to help hotel managers improve customers’ service evaluations during the COVID-19 pandemic are provided.

Facemask Usage Among People With Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Participatory Project.

Objectives: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disease that causes recurrent respiratory infections. People with PCD may be at high risk of severe COVID-19 and protection against SARS-CoV-2 is therefore important. We studied facemask usage and problems reported in relation with their use among people with PCD. Methods: We used data from COVID-PCD, an international observational cohort study. A questionnaire was e-mailed to participants in October 2020 that asked about facemask usage. Results: In total, 282 participants from 27 countries were included (Median age 32 years; 63% female). In total, 252 (89%) wore facemasks everywhere in public, 13 (5%) wore facemasks in most places, and 17 (6%) did not wear facemasks in public. Half of the participants reported that it was uncomfortable to wear facemasks because of runny nose, cough, or difficulty breathing. Participants less often wore facemasks when there was no national requirement. Conclusion: Most people with PCD wore facemasks despite frequent respiratory problems related to their use. Facemask usage was most frequent in countries with a national requirement emphasizing the importance of nationwide policies mandating facemasks.

Pandemia COVID-19: impacto sobre la tasa de conjuntivitis virales

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic led Spain to order a state of alert with the cessation of non-essential activities on 14 March 2020, and to implement public health interventions (such as home confinement) and other health recommendations to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (hand washing and the obligation to wear face-masks). These factors could have influenced the rate of viral conjunctivitis. MethodIn this retrospective, noninterventional, descriptive study, the incidence of viral conjunctivitis in an emergency department of a national hospital is compared over two distinct time periods: pre-COVID (13 March-30 September 2019, one year before the start of the pandemic) and COVID (13 March-30 September 2020). ResultsIn the first period there were 436 cases of conjunctivitis, of which 168 (38.5%) were confirmed cases of viral conjunctivitis 168 (38.5%), while in the second period there were 121 recorded cases, of which the most frequent were allergic and traumatic (23 cases; 19% each group), bacterial (15 cases; 12.3%) and viral (15 cases; 12.3%). The diagnosis of viral conjunctivitis is the one that suffered the most significant relative reduction (48.5%), while other types of conjunctivitis hardly changed their relative frequency between these two periods of time. ConclusionsViral conjunctivitis is the most frequent infectious disease of the eye and has a transmission rate similar to that of coronavirus, so the measures implemented could positively affect its incidence.

The Decision to Wear a Face Mask as a Protective Behavioral Measure Against COVID-19: Survey Results From Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda.

The use of face masks is one of the behavioral measures used to prevent COVID-19 infection. Despite the positive contribution of face masks, there is uncertainty surrounding face mask wearing in low-income countries. Using data from 1,054 respondents in Greater Kampala Metropolitan area, we investigate the variation in face mask wearing inside and outside public spaces. Results indicate that more than three quarters of the respondents wore a face mask always outside public spaces and slightly more than half wore a face mask sometimes inside public spaces. Irrespective of location (inside or outside public spaces), respondents were more likely to wear facemasks sometimes or always to prevent COVID-19 infection. There is need to raise awareness about face mask wearing and its efficacy to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Effects of wearing facemasks on the sensation of exertional dyspnea and exercise capacity in healthy subjects.

Due to the currently ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is strongly recommended to wear facemasks to minimize transmission risk. Wearing a facemask may have the potential to increase dyspnea and worsen cardiopulmonary parameters during exercise; however, research-based evidence is lacking. We investigated the hypothesis that wearing facemasks affects the sensation of dyspnea, pulse rate, and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation during exercise. Healthy adults (15 men, 9 women) underwent a progressive treadmill test under 3 conditions in randomized order: wearing a surgical facemask, cloth facemask, or no facemask. Experiment was carried out once daily under each condition, for a total of 3 days. Each subject first sat on a chair for 30 minutes, then walked on a treadmill according to a Bruce protocol that was modified by us. The experiment was discontinued when the subject’s pulse rate exceeded 174 beats/min. After discontinuation, the subject immediately sat on a chair and was allowed to rest for 10 minutes. Subjects were required to rate their levels of dyspnea perception on a numerical scale. Pulse rate and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation were continuously monitored with a pulse oximeter. These parameters were recorded in each trial every 3 minutes after the start of the exercise; the point of discontinuation; and 5 and 10 minutes after discontinuation. The following findings were obtained. Wearing a facemask does not worsen dyspnea during light to moderate exercise but worsens dyspnea during vigorous exercise. Wearing a cloth facemask increases dyspnea more than wearing a surgical facemask during exercise and increases pulse rate during vigorous exercise, but it does not increase pulse rate during less vigorous exercise. Wearing a surgical facemask does not increase pulse rate at any load level. Lastly, wearing a facemask does not affect percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation during exercise at any load level regardless of facemask type.

The Intentions to Wear Face Masks and the Differences in Preventive Behaviors between Urban and Rural Areas during COVID-19: An Analysis Based on the Technology Acceptance Model.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus first emerged in late 2019 and has since spread quickly throughout China and become a global pandemic. As the situation with COVID-19 has evolved, wearing a face mask in public has grown commonplace. Using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a foundation, this study introduces three new variables, namely, perceived risk, social pressure, and social image, to establish an extended model for investigating the factors that influence if residents wear masks. A total of 1200 questionnaires were distributed in China, from 1 February to 30 May 2020, through China’s largest online platform. The results indicate the following: 1. Residents’ positive attitude towards mask wearing promotes their behavioral intention to wear masks. 2. Perceived risk, social pressure, and social image have a positive impact on attitude towards mask wearing. 3. The intention to wear masks and attitude were both positively influenced by perceived usefulness. 4. The perceived usefulness is more influential in rural than urban groups, in terms of behavioral intention. This article proposes that public education on the facts related to the coronavirus, the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to health, and the usefulness of face masks in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 could increase residents’ intention to wear a mask.

Analysis of Mask Wearability Via Feature Based & Image Based Approach Using Image Processing

The world is fighting the Covid19 pandemic. There are so many essential equipment needed to fight against Coronavirus. One of such essentials is Face Mask. Firstly, face masks were not mandatory for everyone but as the day progresses scientists and Doctors have recommended everyone to wear face masks. Now To detect whether a person is wearing Face Mask or not, we will use Face Mask Wearability technique. Face Mask wearability Platform utilizes Image Processing to perceive if a person does/doesn’t wear a mask. The application can be associated with any current or new IP cameras to identify individuals with/without a mask. Face Detection Methods are Feature Based Approach & Image Based Approach.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Safety Practices About COVID-19 Among High School Students in Iran During the First Wave of the Pandemic.

Background: School closures have inevitably deprived students of their traditional source of information. The objective of this study was to determine knowledge, attitudes, and safety practices about COVID-19 among high school students in Iran.Methods: This study was conducted from March 24th-April 3rd, 2020. Data were collected via an online-parent-administrative questionnaire.Results: Responses of 704 students were analyzed. Students' mean (SD) knowledge score was 21.5 (4.6) of 30. More than 90% of students knew about the cause of the disease, the routes of transmission, and the most renowned symptoms: dyspnea and cough. Social-and- audiovisual-media were the leading information source. Most students believed that people need to keep safe physical distancing, everyone should isolate themselves upon symptoms onset, people should avoid unnecessary in-person contact with family and friends, and that cities need to go under lockdowns if needed. Students' mean (SD) practice score was 20.2 (2.5) of 24. Most students did not go on a trip, and more than 80% said they would wear facemasks when going outside.Conclusions: High school students' knowledge and safety practices about COVID-19 were somewhat satisfactory, and their attitudes toward the disease were mainly positive. Nevertheless, some witnessed knowledge gaps, negative attitudes, and unsafe practices in the study highlighted the need for targeted education on the pandemic. Social and mass media's significant role and potential could be utilized to battle misinformation and deliver proper knowledge to young adolescents.

Effects of the new COVID-19 normal on customer satisfaction: Can facemasks level off the playing field between average-looking and attractive-looking employees?

The attractiveness of service employees can have a significant impact on customer attitudes and behaviors. While frontline employees can reduce the risk of the COVID-19 transmission and infection by wearing facemasks, doing so can also influence customers' perceptions of employees' attractiveness and thus affect customer satisfaction. Based on the Gestalt theory, this study explores the impact of hotel employees' facemask-wearing on customer satisfaction through two experimental studies. The results indicate that average-looking frontline employees who wear facemasks induce high levels of customer satisfaction. However, while the impact of wearing facemasks on customer satisfaction is not significant for attractive-looking male frontline employees, attractive-looking female frontline employees who wear facemasks induce lower customer satisfaction. Customers' perception of employees' physical attractiveness fully mediates the effects of wearing facemasks on customer satisfaction in the case of average-looking employees. Customers' self-perceived physical attractiveness moderates the mediated effects. Implications that can help hotel managers improve customers' service evaluations during the COVID-19 pandemic are provided.

A data driven agent-based model that recommends non-pharmaceutical interventions to suppress Coronavirus disease 2019 resurgence in megacities.

Before herd immunity against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is achieved by mass vaccination, science-based guidelines for non-pharmaceutical interventions are urgently needed to reopen megacities. This study integrated massive mobile phone tracking records, census data and building characteristics into a spatially explicit agent-based model to simulate COVID-19 spread among 11.2 million individuals living in Shenzhen City, China. After validation by local epidemiological observations, the model was used to assess the probability of COVID-19 resurgence if sporadic cases occurred in a fully reopened city. Combined scenarios of three critical non-pharmaceutical interventions (contact tracing, mask wearing and prompt testing) were assessed at various levels of public compliance. Our results show a greater than 50% chance of disease resurgence if the city reopened without contact tracing. However, tracing household contacts, in combination with mandatory mask use and prompt testing, could suppress the probability of resurgence under 5% within four weeks. If household contact tracing could be expanded to work/class group members, the COVID resurgence could be avoided if 80% of the population wear facemasks and 40% comply with prompt testing. Our assessment, including modelling for different scenarios, helps public health practitioners tailor interventions within Shenzhen City and other world megacities under a variety of suppression timelines, risk tolerance, healthcare capacity and public compliance.

Using the health action process approach to predict facemask use and hand washing in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Personal hygiene including wearing facemask and washing hands are instrumental to reduce transmission of COVID-19. The present study applied the health action process approach (HAPA) to examine the process from intention to protective behaviors in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal online survey study was conducted among 229 individuals (61.6% females; Mage = 25.37 years, SDage = 8.34 years) living in Hubei province, China. Action self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, risk perception, intention, planning and action control regarding facemask wearing and hand washing were assessed at baseline (Time 1), and behaviors were assessed a week later (Time 2). Data were collected from 30 January to 16 February 2020. Two structural equation models were specified to test the theory-driven determinants of the facemask wearing and hand washing respectively. The results showed that action self-efficacy predicted intentions to wear facemasks and wash hands. Intention and action control predicted both behaviors at Time 2. Associations between planning and behaviors were mixed. Mediation analyses revealed that action control significantly mediated the relationship between intention and both behaviors (facemask wearing: 90% CI [0.01, 0.12]; hand washing: 95% CI [0.01, 0.21]). Planning did not mediate the relationship between intention and the two behaviors. The findings illustrate that action self-efficacy is positively associated with intention to facemask wearing and hand washing, and action control contributes to bridging intention to behaviors. Both motivational and volitional factors warrant consideration in interventions to improve adherence to facemask wearing and hand washing in COVID-19.

Information Contagion and Emotional Variations: Reading Through the Pandemic Period in Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

This study aims to examine how Christopher Boone─the first person autistic narrator in Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time─ processes a large influx of outside information, which accompanies the emotional turmoil of the adults around him. Christopher imposes series of personal logics on indeterminacies happening around him, controls pieces of information that are physically transmitted, and focuses on solving math and science problems to prevent his cognitive disruption. For him, the storming of outside information is likened to a rapid virus spread in point that people try to keep social distancing, wear facemasks, and get vaccine shots. Insofar as the adults are drawn into Christopher’s eccentricities caused by a whirl of information overflow, they cannot help being caught by anger, frustration, and helplessness. The fear of information processing breakdown triggers off the dissemination of diverse negative feelings. Thus The Curious Incident can be perceived as a symbolic representation of information contagion and emotional variations in the pandemic period.

Assessing Public Willingness to Wear Face Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Fresh Insights from the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Face masks are considered an effective intervention in controlling the spread of airborne viruses, as evidenced by the 2009′s H1N1 swine flu and 2003′s severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreaks. However, research aiming to examine public willingness to wear (WTW) face masks in Pakistan are scarce. The current research aims to overcome this research void and contributes by expanding the theoretical mechanism of theory of planned behavior (TPB) to include three novel dimensions (risk perceptions of the pandemic, perceived benefits of face masks, and unavailability of face masks) to comprehensively analyze the factors that motivate people to, or inhibit people from, wearing face masks. The study is based on an inclusive questionnaire survey of a sample of 738 respondents in the provincial capitals of Pakistan, namely, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, Gilgit, and Quetta. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to analyze the proposed hypotheses. The results show that attitude, social norms, risk perceptions of the pandemic, and perceived benefits of face masks are the major influencing factors that positively affect public WTW face masks, whereas the cost of face masks and unavailability of face masks tend to have opposite effects. The results emphasize the need to enhance risk perceptions by publicizing the deadly effects of COVID-19 on the environment and society, ensure the availability of face masks at an affordable price, and make integrated and coherent efforts to highlight the benefits that face masks offer.