Practice and technique of using face mask amongst adults in the community: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Abstract

Background: The proper use of face mask comprises the correct practice and wearing technique and is important in preventing the spread of respiratory infections. Previous studies have addressed only the aspect of practice and failed to provide a detailed account of face mask usage amongst community-based populations. This study examined the practice and technique of using face mask amongst adults. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted. A quota sample of 1500 adults was recruited in Hong Kong during a nonepidemic state between January and February 2017. The participants' practice of using face mask in five given situations was assessed using a questionnaire. Their technique in using face mask, including 12 steps, was assessed using an observation checklist. Statistical tests were used to compare the differences in practice and technique amongst adults of different gender and age groups. Results: Findings revealed that the performance of the participants in both categories was unsatisfactory. In terms of practice, less than one-fifth of the participants reported that they always wore face mask when taking care of family members with fever (14.7%) or respiratory infections (19.5%). Male adults and those aged 55-64 reported low frequency in using face mask during required situations. In terms of technique, none of the participants performed all the required steps in using face mask correctly. More than 90% of the participants did not perform hand hygiene before putting on (91.5%), taking off (97.3%), or after disposing (91.5%) face mask. Adults aged 55 and above performed poorer than adults in the younger age groups. Conclusion: Compared with previous findings obtained during an epidemic, the performance of the participants during a nonepidemic state was less satisfactory. The possibility of developing fatigue after exposure to repeated epidemics was discussed. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the use of face mask in a community and reveals the underperformed areas. Effort is required to enhance the proper practice of using face mask, convey the message that hand hygiene is an essential step in wearing and taking off a face mask and increase the public's general concern in the value of using face mask.

Analysis of Gender-Dependent Personal Protective Behaviors in a National Sample: Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study

“…Similarly, in the review of Bish and Michie [ 73 ], which identified the determinants of different protective behaviors practiced during swine flu pandemic, it was indicated that compliance to wearing face masks was associated with gender. The same observations were reported by Lee et al [ 74 ] in their study which stated that in all the required situations (including when taking care of family members with fever, when taking care of family members with respiratory infection, when visiting clinics during peak season or a flu pandemic, when visiting hospitals during peak season or a flu pandemic, and when having respiratory symptoms), females declared a higher frequency of using face masks than males.…”

<p>Healthcare Worker’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Proper Face Mask Utilization, and Associated Factors in Police Health Facilities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia</p>

“…But the current study was higher than with the study conducted in Hong Kong among adults in the community which was only 7.6 of the participants reported that they always wore face mask when taking care of family members with fever or respiratory infections. 20 With regard attitude of health professionals towards face mask utilization, in the current study, less than half 45.3% of the respondents had a positive attitude towards proper face mask utilization. This was much lower compared to the 18 This difference might be due to the difference in study area and tool, and similarly, it was lower compared to the study done in Malaysian public which accounted 83.1.…”

Improving the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions during COVID-19: examining the factors that influence engagement and the impact on individuals

“…In the studies reviewed, most authors have reported some level of 'willingness' to wear masks in the community, with higher levels of compliance (or willingness) reported amongst women, older adults (aged > 50 years), the highly educated (results are inconclusive in some studies), married individuals, and adults with poor selfrated health and/or home duties [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. In regard to gender, it has been suggested that males may perceive the use of masks as being un-"manly", and not use them due to variations in perceptions around health-related consequences [22]. However, not all studies have reported gender differences in relation to the use of masks, which may reflect the country of origin of the study (i.e., Australia and The Netherlands which do not have a culture of community mask use) [19,23].…”