Face mask use among pedestrians during the COVID-19 pandemic in southwest Iran: An observational study on 10440 people

Abstract

Background: Many countries have recommended the use of face masks for general population in public places to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of face mask usage and investigate about different types of face mask and their distribution among pedestrians in southwest Iran during the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2020 in Ahvaz, southwest Iran. Using a multistage sampling method, a total of 10440 pedestrians selected from 8 urban districts and 92 neighborhoods of the city. The data gathered by observation method. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe the variables. Chi-square test, fisher exact test and Chi-square for trend used to assess relationship between two categorical variables. We used unconditional logistic regression model to control confounders.Results: The mean ± SD age of the observed pedestrians was 32.2 ±15.1 years and 67.9% of them were male. The overall prevalence of face mask usage was 45.6% (95% CI, 44.6 – 46.5). In general, as the age increased, the prevalence of face mask use significantly increased (p for trend <0.001). Women used face masks significantly higher than men (60.2% vs. 38.7%, p <0.001). Among the pedestrians who used the mask, 75.6 % wore facemask correctly. The most common type of facemask used by the pedestrians were surgical(medical) masks (63.8%). In total, the prevalence of facemask usage was significantly higher during a.m. (49.4%) compared to p.m. (43.9%), (p<0.001). Besides, in our study, 1.7% and 0.3 % of Pedestrians had worn gloves and shielded respectively. Women used shields and gloves significantly higher than men (3.6 % vs. 0.7%, p <0.001). Also, women used shields more than men (0.5 % vs. 0.3%, p =0.036).Conclusion: We concluded that the prevalence rate of face mask use in Ahvaz was fairly low especially in men and younger people. Hence, the observed rates probably cannot protect the community against COVID-19 spread. Therefore, it is important to implement educational programs as well as to establish laws and regulations governing the use of face masks in public places.

Prevalence and Pattern of Mask Use and Its Relation to Morbidity and Mortality of Covid-19 in Tabriz City

“…In our study, surgical masks were used more than other types (70.7%). This result is similar to previous studies results [4][5][6]. Although ltered masks and N95 have a greater protective effect than surgical masks, according to the World Health Organization, surgical masks are more suitable for general use [3].…”

“…In the present study, women used masks more than men (67.5% vs. 46.7%, p < 0.001). In the same study conducted in Ahvaz, this rate in females was higher than males (60.2% vs. 38.7%, p < 0.001) [4]. This may indicate that the woman is paying more attention to her health and following her health instructions.…”

“…It is partially unknown how much the mask protects from airway droplets [3], but face masks can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in the population even with limited protection. They can also be believed to reduce viral load, leading to reduced severity and risk of death [4,5].…”

Use of facemasks during the covid-19 pandemic in southeastern Nigeria: an observational study

“…Facemask usagewas signi cantly higher in males than in females in this study. This is in contrastwith a study in Saudi Arabia and in south Asian countries where there was higher usage amongst females than males [21,23]. This contrast may be as a result of difference in cultural orientation particularly among femalesin the respective parts of the world.…”

“…The highest rate of facemasks usage/adherence was observed amongst the adolescentsthan people in other age categories. This is in contrast with previous studies which found adults to use facemasks more than adolescents [9,23]. Access to COVID-19 information especially through the internet is more common among the adolescents; this may have played an important role in in uencing the facemasks usage among them [9].…”