Belief in Protecting Others and Social Perceptions of Face Mask Wearing Were Associated With Frequent Mask Use in the Early Stages of the COVID Pandemic in the UK

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.680552
• Publication Date: 2021-10-22T05:06:43Z
• Authors: Emma Warnock-Parkes; Graham R. Thew; David M. Clark
• Keywords: Social distance; Pandemic; Face masks

Face masks are now seen as a key tool in the world’s recovery from COVID-19 pandemic. However, during early stages of outbreak, face mask use United Kingdom (UK) was significantly lower than that countries equally impacted by virus. We were interested to explore whether social cognitions played role levels wearing. A cross-sectional online survey UK adults ( n =908) conducted July 2020. Estimated and thoughts about wearing assessed using measures developed for this study. Participants also answered questions their general mood, anxiety basic demographic data. Multiple regression used examine factors associated with Participants’ estimated low when public spaces, such park (17%) or walking on high street (36%). broadly fitting guidance at time, rates considerably higher situations closer proximity others, transport (94%), shop café (62%), speaking somebody an enclosed space (67%) busy area distancing not possible (79%). When looking positive (e.g., I’ll look confident competent mask) more wearing, whereas negative anxious, foolish) less These results remained after controlling have indicated increased risk (age, gender, ethnicity, presence health condition pregnancy), belief benefit others depression anxiety. The largest predictors amount people believed would keep safe underlying condition. study findings indicate future campaigns focus strengthening beliefs protective benefits masks, but promoting messages means you competent).