Use of masks in public places in Poland during SARS-Cov-2 epidemic: a  covert observational study

Abstract

Background: Face masks protect against SARS-Cov-2, however, if used incorrectly masks may increase transmission risk. Many countries, including Poland, recommend masks in pandemic control plans. In Poland, obligatory wearing of masks in public spaces was introduced on April 10th, 2020 [18]; a relaxation of previous universal measures was announced on May 29th, 2020, limiting use to indoor public spaces.Objective: to assess use of masks or other protective devices in public spaces in Poland during the SARS-Cov-2 epidemic and to evaluate influencing determinants.Methods: A non-participatory covert observational study was conducted on three dates, (10.05/18.05/ 25.05.2020) at public spaces in 13 regions with different risks. Ten consecutive individuals were observed by each of 82 medical students (n=2460 observations), using a structured checklist.Results: Among 2353 observed persons, the female/male ratios were 1.0, 1.1, and 1.0 on the three dates. As for age, 21-60-year-olds predominated at 70.8%, 71.9%, and 70.2%; 73.6% (n=552/750) were using masks on date 1, 66.5% (544/818) on date 2; and 65.7% (516/785) on date 3. Cloth masks predominated on all dates (64.7%-62.3%-62.6%), followed by medical (23.4%-28.5%-26.9%). Being female (OR=1.75-1.47-1.53 respectively), aged >40 years (OR=1.46-1.48 respectively), and location in a closed space (OR=2.56-2.63-2.36) were each associated with higher usage. Participants in sports were about two times less likely to use masks (OR=0.64-0.54-0.5) as compared to other activities. The proportion using masks correctly decreased gradually over time (364/552; 65.9%; 339/544; 62.3% and 304/516; 58.9%). More females wore masks correctly (date 1: 205/294; 69.7% vs 159/258; 61.6%, and date 3: 186/284; 65.5% vs 118/232; 50.9%; p=0.045; p=0.0008 respectively). Uncovered noses (47.3%-52.7%) and masks around the neck (39.2%-42.6%) were the most frequent incorrect practices. Conclusions: Practices were not in line with official recommendations, especially among young males, and deteriorated over time. Cloth masks were predominantly used in public spaces. Health promotion, through utilizing all available communication channels, would be helpful to increase compliance.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Dentistry Patients and Their Relatives About the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…It was found that women adapt better to protective behaviors such as mask use than men, which is consistent with many studies (12)(13)(14). Similar to our study, it was demonstrated in different studies that the rate of mask compliance increased correlated with the increase in education level (15,16) (5,7,8).…”

“…Since airborne transmission of COVID-19 infection is considered the main route of transmission, especially in dentistry, barrier protection equipment, including goggles, masks, gloves, caps, face shields, and protective outerwear, is highly recommended for all healthcare settings (3). There were quite different rates ranging from 41.2% to 73.6% for mask use in different studies (12)(13)(14). The majority of participants (77.4%) in our study adapted to mask use in the proper area.…”

Assessment on awareness towards preventive measures of COVID-19 in Sheka, Southwestern Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional Study

“…In sample size calculation, maximum proportion (50%) was considered. It is because there was no previous study done in the study area about awareness status of the community about COVID- 19.…”

“…The related study done in Ethiopia, there is still a big issue in preventing and control the pandemic because most of the community assumed that the disease cease, and the general public has little understanding or awareness about the disease (15). Communities must save themselves and others from COVID-19 by considering the following important habits such as regular hand washing ,use sanitizers, avoid touching their faces ,practice covering their mouths, noises at any time while coughing and sneezing, keep physical distance and isolate themselves if any feeling of illness and the like (16)(17)(18)(19). Ethiopia is now sharing a major proportion of the global burden of infectious diseases, while the patterns of COVID-19 are still at an earlier stage of the epidemiology curve.…”

Reflecting on Public Behavior With Artificial Intelligence-assisted Detection of Face Mask Wearing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A study of the rate of mask-wearing in public in Poland, which observed 2,353 people over 3 days, found that 65-75% of people wore masks. (25) Other studies used series of photographs to estimate rates of mask wearing from 3-5 April 2020, and they found rates in Cambodia, Peru, India, Mexico, and USA of 97%, 86%, 41%, 25%, and 21% respectively. (26, 27) Facemask wearing in France, Iran, and Hong Kong was reported at 56.4%, 45.6%, and 87% respectively.…”