Facemasks: Perceptions and use in an ED population during COVID-19

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266148
• Publication Date: 2022-04-13T17:46:12Z
• Authors: Vidya Eswaran; Anna Marie Chang; R. Gentry Wilkerson; Kelli N. O’Laughlin; Brian Chinnock; Stephanie A. Eucker; Brigitte M. Baumann; Nancy Anaya; Daniel G. Miller; Adrianne N. Haggins; Jesus R. Torres; Erik S. Anderson; Stephen C. Lim; Martina T. Caldwell; Ali S. Raja; Robert M. Rodriguez
• Keywords: Pandemic; Cross-sectional study; Face masks

Facemask use is associated with reduced transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Most surveys assessing perceptions and practices mask miss the most vulnerable racial, ethnic, socio-economic populations. These same populations have suffered disproportionate impacts from pandemic. The purpose this study was to assess beliefs, access, wearing across 15 urban emergency department (ED) populations.This a secondary analysis cross-sectional ED patients December 2020 March 2021 at geographically diverse, safety net EDs US. primary outcome frequency outside home around others. Other measures included having enough masks difficulty obtaining them.Of 2,575 approached, 2,301 (89%) agreed participate; nine had missing data pertaining outcome, leaving 2,292 in final analysis. A total 79% respondents reported "all time" 96% over half time. Subjects PCPs were more likely report time compared those without (97% vs 92%). Individuals experiencing homelessness less wear who housed (81% 96%).Study participants high rates facemask use. Respondents did not homeless barriers masks. may serve critical role education regarding, provision of, for