Use of face coverings in public during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study

Buckley

2020

Preprint

Mask wearing is integral to reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Information on prevalence of face mask usage is required both to model disease spread and to improve compliance with mask usage through targeted messaging. We sought to (1) estimate the prevalence of mask usage in the most populous county of Vermont (Chittenden County;>25% of state population) and to (2) assess the effect of age and sex on mask use. We monitored the entrances to eight different business types and visually assessed individuals′ age, gender, and mask use from a distance. We collected 1004 observations from 16 May through 30 May 2020 as businesses began to reopen following an extended state-wide lock down. We analyzed these data using a Bayesian random effects logistic regression model. We found that overall 75.5% of individuals used a mask with significant effects of age and gender on mask usage. Females were more likely to wear masks than males (83.8%, n=488 vs. 67.6%, n=516 mask usage, respectively); the odds of a male wearing a mask was 53% that of the female odds. Across age groups, the elderly were most likely to wear a mask (91.4%, n=209) followed by young adults (74.8%, n=246), middle-aged adults (70.7%, n=519) and children (53.3%, n=30). The odds of an elderly person wearing a mask were 16.7 times that of a child, while the odds for young adults and middle-aged adults were ≈3 times greater than a child. Highest mask usage was in elder females (96.3%, n=109) and lowest mask usage was in male children (43.8%, n=16).

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 60%

Prevalence of mask wearing in northern Vermont in response to SARS-CoV-2

Buckley

2020

Preprint

“…Currently, no peer-reviewed and direct-observational studies of mask wearing are available for comparison to our study findings. Preprint study akin to ours also reflects alarming and similarly low percentages of mask wearing in Wisconsin [40]. Additionally, our data can be discussed in relation to national polls and surveys that addressed mask wearing at about the same time.…”

Section: Plos Onesupporting

confidence: 67%

Who is wearing a mask? Gender-, age-, and location-related differences during the COVID-19 pandemic

et al. 2020

Masks are an effective tool in combatting the spread of COVID-19, but some people still resist wearing them and mask-wearing behavior has not been experimentally studied in the United States. To understand the demographics of mask wearers and resistors, and the impact of mandates on mask-wearing behavior, we observed shoppers (n = 9935) entering retail stores during periods of June, July, and August 2020. Approximately 41% of the June sample wore a mask. At that time, the odds of an individual wearing a mask increased significantly with age and was also 1.5x greater for females than males. Additionally, the odds of observing a mask on an urban or suburban shopper were~4x that for rural areas. Mask mandates enacted in late July and August increased mask-wearing compliance to over 90% in all groups, but a small percentage of resistors remained. Thus, gender, age, and location factor into whether shoppers in the United States wear a mask or face covering voluntarily. Additionally, mask mandates are necessary to increase mask wearing among the public to a level required to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“…Recent studies on face coverings have focused primarily on their efficacy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ] and public compliance with recommendations [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. While recent polls suggest a majority of Americans wear face coverings in public most of the time, few wear them all of the time, as recommended by the CDC and other health officials [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Motivations and Barriers for the Use of Face Coverings during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Messaging Insights from Focus Groups

Shelus

Frank

Lazard

et al. 2020

IJERPH

Widespread use of face coverings is a key public health strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, few studies have examined why Americans use or do not use face coverings, and little is known about the most effective messaging strategies. This study explored perceptions of face coverings, including motivations and barriers for use, and examined reactions to messaging promoting the use of face coverings. Six virtual focus groups were conducted with 34 North Carolina residents in July 2020. Participants reported high compliance with face covering recommendations but often did not wear them around family, friends, and colleagues. The most prevalent motivation for the use of face coverings was to protect or respect other people, including high-risk populations and individuals. Other motivators were self-protection, responsibility, desire for control, requirements, and expert advice. Barriers included physical and social discomfort, confusion or misinformation, low perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, and perceptions of identity and autonomy. Even among individuals who frequently wear face coverings, there are opportunities to improve compliance. Messaging should highlight how face coverings protect the wearer and others around them, normalize the use of face coverings in social settings, and emphasize requirements. Positive messages that focus on unity, personal experiences and the rationale for face coverings are recommended.