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Gender- and age-related differences in misuse of face masks in COVID-19 prevention in central European cities

Eckl, L.; Hansch, S.

2020-11-13 epidemiology
10.1101/2020.11.11.20224030 medRxiv
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1ObjectiveCorrect use of face masks is required for their efficacy in preventing possible droplet infections with SARS-CoV-2. We tried to provide information about differences in the distribution of gender and age groups wearing face masks incorrectly. DesignPilot field study MethodsVisual observation of mask use in public, not age- and gender-related places in central European large cities regarding incorrect mask-wearing (n=523); statistical analysis (nominal scale) in terms of gender and estimated age group using the total numbers, binomial test and chi-square test. ResultsThere is no significant difference (binomial test: p-value = 0.43) in mask misuse between the genders (female: 271 (51.8%), male: 252 (48.2%) and 0 non-binary individuals (0%)). There is a significant difference (chi-square test: p-value < 2.2e-16) in age group distribution (170 young 10-29 years (32.5%), 261 middle-aged 30-59 years (49.9%), 92 older adults [&ge;] 60 years (17.6%)). In total numbers, the highest counts were observed in middle-aged persons with 261 counts (49.9%). ConclusionOur study shows an uneven age-distribution of people wearing the face mask in public improperly.

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