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

Abstract

Background: Using personal protective equipment, including masks, is one of the most important ways to prevent coronavirus. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and pattern of mask use and its relation to morbidity and mortality of Covid-19 in different area of Tabriz city.Methods: In this population-based study 6,600 pedestrians were selected by multi-stage proportional sampling method in 9 areas of Tabriz in 2021 in Tabriz. The data was collected using the observation method. For each subject, gender, approximate age, mask usage, type of mask and correct or incorrect use were recorded. The data of morbidity and mortality of Covid-19 for six months (from 21 March 2021 to 22 September 2021) were obtained from Integrated Syndromic Surveillance System (ISSS). Results: The overall prevalence rate of facial mask use was 56.8% (95% CI: 55.56 – 57.95). Out of 3421 men, 1599 (46.7%; 95%CI: 45.1-48.4) and out of 3179 women, 2147 (67.5%; 95%CI: 65.9-69.2) were use face mask (P<0.001). The correlation of prevalence of mask use and morbidity(r=0.375, P=0.320) and mortality (r=0.219, P=0.571) were not statistically significant. Conclusion: We conclude that the use of face masks in Tabriz is relatively low, especially among males and young people. There was no significant relationship was observed between the use of the mask in pedestrians, morbidity and mortality due to covid-19.