Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (Oct 2020)

The Use of Facemasks During the COVID-19 Pandemic by the Brazilian Population

  • Cotrin P,
  • Bahls AC,
  • da Silva DO,
  • Girão VMP,
  • Pinzan-Vercelino CRM,
  • de Oliveira RCG,
  • Oliveira RC,
  • Carvalho MDB,
  • Pelloso SM,
  • Valarelli FP,
  • Freitas KMS

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 13
pp. 1169 – 1178

Abstract

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Paula Cotrin,1 Amelia Cristine Bahls,1 Daniella de Oliveira da Silva,2 Valquiria Mendes Pereira Girão,2 Célia Regina Maio Pinzan-Vercelino,2 Ricardo Cesar Gobbi de Oliveira,1 Renata Cristina Oliveira,1 Maria Dalva de Barros Carvalho,3 Sandra Marisa Pelloso,3 Fabricio Pinelli Valarelli,1 Karina Maria Salvatore Freitas1 1Department of Dentistry, Ingá University Center Uningá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; 2Department of Dentistry, University Ceuma, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil; 3Department of Health Sciences, Maringá State University, Maringá, BrazilCorrespondence: Karina Maria Salvatore FreitasIngá University Center Uningá, Rod PR 317, 6114 – 87035-510, Maringá, Paraná, BrazilTel +5514991026446Email [email protected]: To evaluate the use of facemasks by the Brazilian population during the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1277 participants who answered a web-based open survey with questions about the use of facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics with percentages was performed, and the responses were analyzed with chi-square and independent t-tests.Results: A total of 1277 answered the questionnaire, and most participants were female (81.8%). Almost all the participants (99.1%) reported wearing facemasks, and 34.2% are wearing just because it is mandatory; 65.8% would continue to wear masks even if it was not mandatory. Most subjects (50.4%) believe that masks’ use effectively prevents infection by the novel coronavirus. Reusable fabric facemasks are the most used by the participants (49.5%). Almost all subjects were wearing masks to go to crowded and public places. Most respondents (67.3%) are bothered with the use of facemasks, and the most cited reason for the discomfort was feeling trapped or suffocated (58.9%).Discussion: The use of facemasks can help prevent the COVID-19, but it is most effective at reducing the spread of the virus when the general population’s compliance is high. Some factors that limit the population’s compliance with the use of masks are discomfort and a sense of embarrassment. Media campaigns and public health promotion activities supported by governmental agencies can increase the use of facemasks by the population.Conclusion: The mean level of anxiety with the COVID-19 pandemic was 6.18. Almost all the participants were wearing facemasks, and they believe that its use effectively prevents infection by the novel coronavirus. Reusable fabric facemasks are the most used by the participants. Almost all subjects were wearing masks to go to crowded and public places. The great majority of the participants feel more protected with the use of facemasks.Keywords: COVID-19, pandemics, masks, respiratory protective devices

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