Public perception on face mask wearing during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: a cross sectional study

Yusof, Muhammad Zubir and Fadzil, Nur Faza Zinnirah and Kamaruzi, Nik Nur Niska Azlin and Ayazi, Maya Syazana Syamimi (2024) Public perception on face mask wearing during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: a cross sectional study. PLOS ONE, 19 (8). pp. 1-16. ISSN 1932-6203 E-ISSN 1932-6203

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Abstract

Introduction Since the emergence of COVID-19, the Malaysian government has made wearing a face mask in public mandatory since August 1, 2020, as an effort by the government to control the transmission of COVID-19. However, Malaysians’ willingness to wear face masks in public is unknown. Objective Thus, this study aimed to evaluate their perception of face mask wearing during COVID-19 and its contributing factors. Methodology A total of 1024 respondents, aged ≥ 18 years, participated in this online cross-sectional survey from October 2021 to December 2021. The Face Mask Perception Scale (FMPS) was used to measure their perceptions. Results Most of the respondents perceived wearing a face mask as uncomfortable. Our findings also revealed statistically significant differences and a small effect (f2 = 0.04) in which respondents who were concerned about being infected by the virus perceived face mask wearing appearance positively (B = - 0.09 units of log-transformed, 95% CI = - 0.15, - 0.04), whereas married respondents perceived it negatively (B = 0.07 units of log-transformed, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.09). There were no statistically significant differences in other domains of FMPS. Conclusion In conclusion, discomfort was a major complaint. Marital status and fear of COVID-19 infection affected their perceptions. The public health implications of these findings highlight the importance of addressing discomfort and societal perceptions, particularly those influenced by factors such as marital status and COVID-19 experience, to promote widespread acceptance and consistent usage of face masks, which is crucial in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA643 Communicable Diseases and Public Health R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA644.C67 Coronavirus infections. COVID-19 (Disease). COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011)
Depositing User:	Dr Muhammad Zubir Yusof
Date Deposited:	02 Sep 2024 08:46
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2024 11:45
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/114134

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