key: cord-0833253-zw75kqup
authors: Deschanvres, Colin; Haudebourg, Thomas; Peiffer-Smadja, Nathan; Blanckaert, Karine; Boutoille, David; Lucet, Jean-Christophe; Birgand, Gabriel
title: How do the general population behave with facemasks to prevent COVID-19 in the community? A multi-site observational study
date: 2021-03-29
journal: Antimicrob Resist Infect Control
DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00927-6
sha: 96138259fc9b00d89f3fd3b92730b9b2fccc9cd8
doc_id: 833253
cord_uid: zw75kqup

OBJECTIVE: The appropriate use of facemasks, recommended or mandated by authorities, is critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. We aim to evaluate frequency and quality of facemask use in general populations. METHODS: A multi-site observational study was carried out from June to July 2020 in the west of France. An observer was positioned at a predetermined place, facing a landmark, and all individual passing between the observer and the landmark were included. The observer collected information on facemask use (type, quality of positioning), location and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 3354 observations were recorded. A facemask was worn by 56.4% (n = 1892) of individuals, including surgical facemasks (56.8%, n = 1075) and cloth masks (43.2%, n = 817). The facemask was correctly positioned in 75.2% (n = 1422) of cases. The factors independently associated with wearing a facemask were being indoors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.28–3.19), being in a mandatory area (aOR, 6.92; 95% CI 5–9.7), female gender (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI 1.54–2.04), age 41–65 years (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI 1.43–2.02) and age > 65 years (aOR, 2.28; 95% CI 1.83–2.85). The factors independently associated with correct mask position were rural location (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI 1.07–1.79), being in an indoor area (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI 1.49–2.3), use of clothmask (aOR, 1.53; 95% CI 1.23–1.91), and age > 40 years (aOR, 1.75 95%CI 1.37–2.23). CONCLUSIONS: During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequency and quality of facemask wearing remained low in the community setting. Young people in general, and men in particular, represent the priority targets for information campaigns. Simplifying the rules to require universal mandatory facemasking seemed to be the best approach for health authorities. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-021-00927-6.

Since the emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, wearing a facemask in the community has become commonplace. In many countries, facemasks are mandatory in crowded areas where social distancing cannot be respected and are recommended outdoors [1] .

*Correspondence: colin.deschanvres@chu-nantes.fr 1 Centre D' Appui À La Prévention Des Infections Associées Aux Soins (CPias) Des Pays de La Loire, Nantes University Hospital, 5 rue du Professeur Yves Boquien, 44000 Nantes, France Full list of author information is available at the end of the article Appropriate use of facemasks is critical for protection in the community to prevent the spread of COVID-19 [2] . However, the constraints and discomfort caused in a population unfamiliar with this protective equipment can result in suboptimal use, leading to ineffective protection against COVID-19. Observation and quantification of the quality of facemask use is required to: assess the level of respiratory protection, inform decision makers on the effectiveness of measures, and identify levers for behavior change. We evaluated the frequency and the quality of facemask use in the general populations with different socio-spatial backgrounds, and contextual factors associated with the appropriate use of the facemask.

From June 25, 2020, to July 21, 2020, we conducted observations in 13 cities and 43 different locations in the Pays de la Loire region in western France with a population of 3.8 million (Additional file 1: Fig. S1 ). The observations were performed in various areas: rural and urban (cities with > 10,000 and with < 10,000 inhabitants), indoors (shopping centers, train stations) or outdoors (shopping streets), and in areas where facemasks were or were not mandatory. The observer was positioned in a predetermined place, facing a landmark, and all people passing between the observer and the landmark were included. For each individual, the researcher recorded if a facemask was worn, the type of facemask, and the quality of facemask positioning.

The primary outcome of this study was the correct positioning of the facemask. Secondary outcomes were the frequency of mask wearing and factors associated with the frequency and correct positioning of facemask wearing. The face mask was considered to be worn if it was placed on the face, regardless of its positioning. The facemask was considered incorrectly worn if it was in one of the following positions: below the nose, below the mouth, on the forehead, on one ear, on backward (outside in), with no adjustment of the bar on the nose, not stretched under the chin, cross fasteners (twisted elastic, strap from top to bottom), partial attachment with only one strap on each side or with long hair falling on the mask. (Additional file 2: Fig. S2 ) For each observation session, information on the time, location, and mandatory status was recorded. In addition, the gender was collected and the age category was estimated (21-40, 41-65, and > 65 years). The data were collected on a smartphone using a Google form. Contingency tables and chi-squared tests were used for categorical variables. Unadjusted Odds Ratio (ORs) were determined and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed. Multiple logistic regression was performed. Variables associated with p values < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were entered into the model to obtain maximum likelihood estimates. These analyses were performed using R version 3.6.1.

A total of 3354 observations were performed during 55 sessions (Table 1) In the multivariate analysis, facemasks were significantly more often worn indoors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.7 (2.28-3.19); 95% CI 0.31-0.44; p < 0.001), in mandatory areas (aOR, 6.92; 95% CI 5-9.7; p < 0.001) and by older individuals aged > 65 years (aOR, 2.28; 95% CI 1.83-2.85; p < 0.001) and those aged 41-65 years (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI 1.43-2.02; p = 0.008). Facemasks were significantly less frequently worn by males (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI 0.49-0.75; p < 0.001) ( Table 2) .

Among the individuals wearing a facemask, correct positioning was significantly higher in rural (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI 1.07-1.79; p = 0.03), in indoor areas (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI 1.49-2.3; p < 0.001), in the 41-65 years age group (OR, 1.75; 95% CI 1.37-2.23; p < 0.001) and in the > 65 years age group (OR, 1.52; 95% CI 1.13-2.03; p = 0.005). The use of cloth masks in comparison with surgical masks was significantly associated with correct positioning (aOR, 1.53; 95% CI 1.23-1.91; p < 0.001). (Table 2 ).

In a post lockdown context with large clusters of COVID-19 cases leading to a potential second wave, only 56% of the individuals in the community wore a mask despite the recommendations and only three quarters of them wore it correctly. So less than half of the individuals were correctly protected in the general population. Unsurprisingly, the mandatory process was the most powerful variable associated with increased use of facemasks. The mandatory approach may represent the best political lever to increase the level of facemask use in the general population. However, the mandatory wearing of facemasks did not significantly improve correct masking and therefore the infection control.

Among the people wearing a mask incorrectly, the most commonly observed positions were below the chin or below the nose. These observations suggest that facemasks are being handled and repositioned by individuals perhaps due to respiratory discomfort. These behaviors could lead to an increase in the risk of transmission, particularly through hand contamination. This fact is important due to the difficulty in complying with hand hygiene measures when putting the facemask on and taking it off. One hypothesis would be that mandatory universal facemasking, even in the absence of scientific evidence outdoors, would have the advantage of simplifying the measure and limiting mask handling and repositioning.

The positioning of cloth masks was significantly better in comparison with surgical facemasks. The characteristics of surgical facemasks (impersonal, single-use, more expensive, potentially less comfortable to wear) may decrease compliance with best practice. On the other hand, the good quality cloth masks with suitable sizes may fit better on the face making them more comfortable. The personalization of the designs of cloth facemasks could make them a fashion accessory allowing for better user compliance [3] . However, recent doubts were expressed in France regarding the capacities of "homemade cloth mask" to protect against SARS-CoV-2 contaminations [4] . The use of facemasks was significantly lower and more often worn incorrectly in the population < 40 years and in males independently of non-use of the mask. This finding is consistent with the increase in COVID-19 cases in the younger population during the post lockdown period [5, 6] . These populations represent a target for authorities in their information campaigns to optimize the protection of the general population.

Facemasks were worn correctly by those in rural areas compared with urban areas. In small cities, people are living together as part of an identifiable network, with significant social norms and better individual behaviors. In contrast, in urban populations, individuals are anonymous, with less reference to norms and altruistic measures. Further qualitative studies are needed to explore these assumptions.

To our knowledge, this study is the first to quantify the frequency and quality of the use of facemasks in the general population. However, this study has limitations: (i) the visual and potentially subjective evaluation of some criteria (correct masking, age category); (ii) the generalizability is questionable despite the inclusion of a range of situations at the regional scale; (iii) in the statistical analysis, due to the paucity of data in this context, we selected a cut-off for the multivariable analysis of 0.25; (iv) multiple observations at the same location could introduce a bias requiring the use of a mixed logistic regression model, even if they concern only 18% of the observations. Finally, observations were performed in public areas. However, indoors social interactions in the private sphere across individuals poorly complying with barrier precautions, including the use of facemask, represent a large risk of transmission.

During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequency and quality of facemask wearing remained low in the community setting. Young people in general, and men in particular, represent the priority targets for information campaigns. Simplifying the rules to require universal mandatory facemasking seemed to be the most effective approach for health authorities.

Abbreviations OR: Unadjusted odds ratio; aOR: Adjusted odds ratio.

Préconisations du Haut Conseil de la santé publique relatives à l'adaptation des mesures barrières et de distanciation sociale à mettre en oeuvre en population générale, hors champs sanitaire et médico-social, pour la maîtrise de la diffusion du SARS-CoV-2

Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet

Face coverings for covid-19: from medical intervention to social practice

Complémentaire à l'avis du 14 janvier relatif aux mesures de contrôle et de prévention de la diffusion des nouveaux variants du SARS-CoV-2

Temporal rise in the proportion of younger adults and older adolescents among coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases following the introduction of physical distancing measures

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The online version contains supplementary material available at https:// doi. org/ 10. 1186/ s13756-021-00927-6.Additional file 1. Fig. S1 : Geographic location of the observation sites.Additional file 2. Fig. S2 : Definitions for the qualitative evaluation of mask position.Authors' contributions CD drafted the initial manuscript, performed statistical analysis, reviewed and revised the manuscript. TH collected data, reviewed and revised the manuscript. NPS, KB, DB and JCL reviewed and revised the manuscript. GB conceptualized and designed the study, collected data, coordinated and supervised data collection, reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

This work was supported by the National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance at Imperial College London in partnership with Public Health England (PHE). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, the Department of Health or PHE. GB has received an Early Career Research Fellowship from the Antimicrobial Research Collaborative at Imperial College London and acknowledges the support of the Welcome trust. RA is supported by a NIHR Fellowship in knowledge mobilization. The support of ESRC as part of the Antimicrobial Cross Council initiative supported by the seven UK research councils and the support of the Global Challenges Research Fund are gratefully acknowledged. This work was also supported by Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) of Pays de la Loire.

Data sharing not applicable to this article because no datasets were generated or analyzed during the study.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.