Survey of facial masks using behaviour during COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

Wearing facial masks has been indicated as an effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission among people. To get a deeper understanding of the habit of using face masks in normal life during COVID-19 outbreak and seek ways to solve the problems of mask using, we conducted a large-scale survey in China through online questionnaires. Totally 1004 respondents, including community outreach workers, non-healthcare professionals, retired people, and students participated in this study. Detailed information regarding the types of masks that people usually use, the habit of changing masks, the methods of mask cleaning, and the attitude toward reusing masks and their potential impact on the environment were collected and analyzed. Results show that more than 98% of people in China used masks during the pandemic, and the types of masks using and frequency of masks changing/reuse varied between different people. Moreover, most of the respondents had a healthy mask-changing habit for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and worried about the safety of mask reusing. The study would help enhance public awareness and develop policies for a better habit in face of the pandemic.