Factors associated to the practice of using masks by the population of Paraíba during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pereira-Ávila, Fernanda Maria Vieira; Lam, Simon Ching; Gir, Elucir; Góes, Fernanda Garcia Bezerra; Freire, Maria Eliane Moreira; Silva, Ana Cristina de Oliveira E

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the practice of using masks by the population of the Brazilian state of Paraíba during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD Cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study conducted with adults living in the state of Paraíba through an online instrument from April to May 2020, through the Face Mask Use Scale of Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas da Paraíba. RESULTS The participants amounted to 1,307 (100.0%) individuals, who were predominantly female (78.0%), aged 35 to 45 (32.3%), married (53.3%) and post-graduates (46.9%). The mean score for the practice of using masks was 18.7 (SD = 8.0; minimum 6.00; maximum 30). The use of masks for self-protection scored 9.8 (DP = 3.9; minimum 3.0; maximum 15.0), whereas the score for protection of others was 8.9 (SD = 4.5; minimum 3.0; maximum 15.0). In the comparison between the scores of the practice of using masks, there was a significant statistical difference for gender, education, age group, and income (p ≤ 0.01). The practice of using masks was more frequent in health environments, 7.3 (DP = 3.2). CONCLUSION The practice of using masks was predominant among women, people over 35, married, with an income higher than seven minimum wages, and post-graduation. The use of masks for self-protection was higher than for the protection of others and its use in health environments was higher than in the others.