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Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Reuse of Mask during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Survey in Taiwan

Author

Listed:
  • Feng-Shiang Cheng

    (Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
    Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yung-Feng Yen

    (Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
    Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
    Section of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, Yangming Branch, Taipei 111, Taiwan
    Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112, Taiwan)

  • Shu-Yi Lin

    (Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan)

  • Shih-Han Weng

    (Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan)

  • Yi-Chang Chou

    (Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan)

  • Dachen Chu

    (Department of Health and Welfare, University of Taipei, Taipei 100, Taiwan
    Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 103, Taiwan
    Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan)

  • Chu-Chieh Chen

    (Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112, Taiwan)

  • Hsiao-Yun Hu

    (Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
    Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
    Department of Health and Welfare, University of Taipei, Taipei 100, Taiwan)

Abstract

Mask usage is an effective measure to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection; however, mask reuse is not recommended. Studies examining the factors associated with mask reuse during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic are limited. This nationwide survey aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mask reuse among Taiwanese citizens during the pandemic. From 18 May through 31 May 2020, a computer-assisted telephone interview system was used to randomly select Taiwanese citizens for interview regarding COVID-19-preventive behaviors and knowledge on mask usage. For a total of 1075 participants, the overall mean age was 57.4 years, and 82.2% of participants reported mask reuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for other covariates, participants who had a greater knowledge of mask usage or had a high supply of masks were less likely to reuse masks during the pandemic. Moreover, generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis showed that, compared with the participants’ mask-wearing behaviors before the COVID-19 pandemic, they were more likely to reuse masks during the pandemic. Thus, it is imperative to educate people on the correct usage of masks. Furthermore, the government should provide sufficient masks to the general population to reduce mask reuse.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng-Shiang Cheng & Yung-Feng Yen & Shu-Yi Lin & Shih-Han Weng & Yi-Chang Chou & Dachen Chu & Chu-Chieh Chen & Hsiao-Yun Hu, 2021. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Reuse of Mask during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Survey in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:8065-:d:604764
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. José G. B. Derraik & William A. Anderson & Elizabeth A. Connelly & Yvonne C. Anderson, 2020. "Rapid Review of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 Viability, Susceptibility to Treatment, and the Disinfection and Reuse of PPE, Particularly Filtering Facepiece Respirators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-31, August.
    2. Jui-Yao Liu & Tzeng-Ji Chen & Shinn-Jang Hwang, 2020. "Analysis of Imported Cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan: A Nationwide Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-12, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chien-Chou Chen & Guo-Jun Lo & Ta-Chien Chan, 2022. "Spatial Analysis on Supply and Demand of Adult Surgical Masks in Taipei Metropolitan Areas in the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-12, May.

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