Study on Factors of People’s Wearing Masks Based on Two Online Surveys: Cross-Sectional Evidence from China

Abstract

(1) Background: To analyze factors of people’s wearing masks based on two online surveys, and to explore whether living area factor or quarantine status could have an impact on mask-wearing. (2) Methods: Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the influence of different factors on people’s behavior of mask-wearing in the present study. R3.6.2 was used for data cleaning, SPSS 26.0 was used to conduct corresponding statistical analysis, and a two-sided p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. (3) Results: According to our study, the proportion of participants who wore face masks was higher than 90.0% in both surveys. Single factor analysis showed that the proportion of people wearing face masks raised with the increase of people’s education, age, and monthly income (Yuan) in both surveys. People who lived in rural areas were less likely to wear masks. Mask-wearing rate was lower in the isolated individuals than in the non-isolated ones. (4) Conclusions: Masks-wearing is one of the effective measures for COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control. After the Chinese government made wearing face masks mandatory in public places, most residents in China had developed the habit of wearing masks, contributing to the high rate of masks-wearing in China. However, people in rural areas need to raise their awareness of wearing masks. Meanwhile, the mask-wearing of the isolated individuals needs to be enhanced.

Use of Respiratory Protection Devices by Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…According to Pakistani researchers, the motivations for wearing face masks are “attitude, social norms, risk perceptions of the pandemic, and perceived benefits of face masks are the major influencing factors positively affect public willingness to wear face masks, whereas the cost of face masks and unavailability of face masks tend to have opposite effects” [ 14 ]. Compliance with preventive measures by the population, and the wearing of masks in particular, is also influenced by factors such as the region of residence (rural or urban area), housing conditions, sector of employment and education level, age, and income level [ 9 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. American scientists have identified a high risk of COVID-19 infection for all segments of the population.…”

“…Refusal to wear face masks can often be associated with the inconvenience and problems that arise when wearing them, including skin reactions, headaches, and difficulty breathing [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. The almost complete absence of a culture of wearing face masks as a hygienic practice, which is characteristic of the inhabitants of most European countries—in contrast to, for example, the inhabitants of Asia—also contributes to this hesitancy [ 15 , 20 , 21 , 24 ]. In addition, the reasons for refusing face masks can be a careless attitude toward one’s own health, as well as a lack of public awareness regarding the effectiveness of using face masks.…”

Challenges to Learners in Interpreting Self as Other, Post COVID-19

“…In this regard, wearing a mask was mandated to protect all from the vocal spray that was recognized as the cause of transmission of the virus [140]. Mask-wearing was resisted, specifically by men who identified with the norms of masculinity [141], those living in rural areas [142], younger individuals, and those who did not frequent shopping centers [143]. Masks are a necessity for frontline works, and they have been recommended to be used universally, even if most are homemade and of low quality [144], yet they have been cited as "perhaps the most-powerful psychological symbol for the general public" [145].…”

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

“…Despite the literature evidence and official regulations, these factors still cannot guarantee that each person will continue to wear face masks during the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, there have been significant differences in mask-wearing behaviors and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in the general public [12][13][14][15]. It seems that certain factors, such as age, sex, education, or dwelling location might affect the face mask-wearing prevalence and/or type of mask used.…”

“…The possible associations between age and face mask-wearing behaviors are particularly interesting. Firstly, certain studies reported that younger age is related to diminished compliance with face mask-wearing recommendations [13,14,16]. There are multiple causes of this observation, such as certain common inconveniences (e.g., breathing difficulties, sweating, misting of the glasses) [17] which can occur regardless of age.…”