Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine
2020, vol. 29, nr 10, October, p. 1201–1203
doi: 10.17219/acem/126295
Publication type: original article
Language: English
License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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Face masks use during the COVID-19 pandemic: Differences in attitudes and practices between medical and non-medical students. A survey of 2256 students in Poland
1 Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
2 Student Research Group of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
Abstract
Background. The use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic became ubiquitous. Such masks are believed to be effective in prevention of respiratory viral transmission.
Objectives. The study was undertaken to assess the use of face masks among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with focus on similarities and differences between medical and non-medical students.
Material and Methods. The study was based on the specially designed survey. The questionnaire, after consultation with 10 students, was created using Google Forms and posted on numerous Facebook groups for students in Poland. The recall period of the questionnaire was the previous 7 days. In 48 h, 2,315 answers were obtained. Fifty-nine questionnaires were excluded due to data incompleteness and failure to fulfil inclusion criteria. Therefore, 2,256 surveys (97.5%) were considered for final analysis.
Results. Medical students showed significantly different attitudes and practices concerning the use of face masks. Medical students used face masks more commonly and for longer periods of time. Moreover, they wore single-use masks more often and less frequently re-used them. Also, multiple use of single-use face masks and masks decontamination procedures were less common among medical students.
Conclusion. We suggest that medical students might be of help in educational campaigns for general public on proper use of face protection.
Key words
COVID-19, coronavirus, face masks, medical students
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