REASONS FOR USING MASKS IN BRAZIL DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the reasons related to the use of masks among the Brazilian population during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional study carried out in Brazil during
April and May 2020 and 2021, using an online form consisting of sociodemographic information and the Brazilian version of the Reason of Using Face Mask Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sociodemographic data of the participants, using absolute and relative frequency, as well as dispersion measures. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test the normality of the data. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis hypothesis tests were used to compare outcomes. All ethical aspects were considered. Results: A total of 25,132 individuals participated in the study, the majority of whom were female 18,453 (73.4%), single 13,960
(55.5%), with a mean age of 33 years (SD=12.7). The average overall score of the reasons given by participants
for using masks was 32.2 (SD=3.8; minimum=13 and maximum=46). The main reasons were susceptibility
perceived, severity perceived, benefits perceived, advice to take action and perceived barriers. Conclusions: The
overall score for reasons for using equipment was higher in 2021 than in 2020, and was higher among women,
young people, and individuals with incomes above 7 minimum wages.