Face Mask Usage among Young Polish People during the COVID-19 Epidemic—An Evolving Scenario

Abstract

The usage of face masks has been mandated in many countries in an attempt to diminish the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine face mask-wearing behaviors and practices in 1173 young Polish people during the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in October 2020. The majority of respondents (97.4%) declared that they wore face masks in areas/situations where it is mandatory. The most common types of utilized face masks were cloth masks (47.7%) and surgical masks (47%), followed by respirators (N95/FFP3) (3.2%) and half-face elastomeric respirators (0.9%). Over 38% reported frequently disinfecting their face masks, especially females. Respondents reporting personal atopic predisposition (64.5% vs. 72.1%; p = 0.02) or sensitive skin (65.5% vs. 74.3%; p = 0.005) declared multiple use of face masks less commonly than other individuals. Individuals suffering from facial skin lesions declared disinfecting face masks more commonly (40.8% vs. 34.9%; p = 0.04). Overall, the self-declared utilization of face masks among young people in Poland has improved since the beginning of the epidemic as compared with our previous study. Until the mass vaccination of the public is achieved and government policy is changed, face mask use remains a valuable tool to decrease the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

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“…Moreover, in another study conducted through public webcams in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland, 51% of the participants wore masks correctly [ 37 ]. The critical point is that researchers have shown that the correct and widespread use of facemasks among the general population [ 38 , 39 ] and nurses [ 40 ] contributes significantly to limiting the pandemic.…”

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“…On the one hand, the number of registered GBS cases, while underestimated, has fallen during the COVID-19 pandemic; on the other hand, altered social conduct is observed. Due to changes in social behavior, such as social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment and hygienic procedures, the prevention of infectious diseases, known as triggers of GBS, has increased [37,38]. Recent comments characterizing GBS as occurring in occasional clusters can be found as well [39].…”

Facing COVID-19: Quantifying the Use of Reusable vs. Disposable Facemasks

“…A Polish study, based on interviews, found that 46.2% of young adults used fabric masks, with women more likely to wear this type (48.6% women vs. 36.5% men) [38]. A second study, also of Polish youths, found a similarly high level of fabric mask use (47.7%), but without the previously noted pronounced gender bias (48.6% women vs. 45.1% men) [37]. A survey of university students in Vietnam found that cloth masks were worn by 23.1% of the respondents [39].…”

“…include observations in Poland [37,38], Vietnam [39], Bali (Indonesia) [40], Nigeria [41], India [42], Morocco [43], and Iran [44]. None of these, however, can be extrapolated to the Australian situation given cultural differences in the observed communities.…”

“…At the time of writing, no studies specifically focused on the type of face masks worn. Some data on the prevalence of fabric masks could be extracted from other studies and include observations in Poland [37,38], Vietnam [39], Bali (Indonesia) [40], Nigeria [41], India [42], Morocco [43], and Iran [44]. None of these, however, can be extrapolated to the Australian situation given cultural differences in the observed communities.…”