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Factors associated with the use and reuse of face masks among Brazilian individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors :
Fernanda Maria Vieira Pereira-Ávila
Simon Ching Lam
Fernanda Garcia Bezerra Góes
Elucir Gir
Natalia Maria Vieira Pereira-Caldeira
Sheila Araújo Teles
Karla Antonieta Amorim Caetano
Maithê de Carvalho e Lemos Goulart
Thamara Rodrigues Bazilio
Ana Cristina de Oliveira e Silva
Source :
Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, Vol 28 (2020)
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Universidade de São Paulo, 2020.

Abstract

Objective to identify the factors associated with the use and reuse of masks among Brazilian individuals in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method cross-sectional study conducted in the five Brazilian regions, among adult individuals, via an electronic form disseminated in social media, addressing general information and the use of masks. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to identify the factors associated with the use and reuse of masks. Results 3,981 (100%) individuals participated in the study. In total, 95.5% (CI 95%: 94.8-96.1) reported using masks. Fabric masks were more frequently reported (72.7%; CI 95%: 71.3-74.1), followed by surgical masks (27.8%; CI 95%: 26.5-29.2). The percentage of reuse was 71.1% (CI 95%: 69.7-72.5). Most (55.8%; CI 95%: 51.7-60.0) of those exclusively wearing surgical masks reported its reuse. Being a woman and having had contact with individuals presenting respiratory symptoms increased the likelihood of wearing masks (p≤0.001). Additionally, being a woman decreased the likelihood of reusing surgical masks (p≤0.001). Conclusion virtually all the participants reported the use of masks, most frequently fabric masks. The findings draw attention to a risky practice, that of reusing surgical and paper masks. Therefore, guidelines, public policies, and educational strategies are needed to promote the correct use of masks to control and prevent COVID-19.

Details

Language :
English, Spanish; Castilian, Portuguese
ISSN :
15188345
Volume :
28
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.63e270122f0d46b4a847a193f7783631
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.4604.3360