Prevalence of correct face mask usage among general public during COVID-19 pandemic in Denizli, Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Objective: We aimed to evaluate correct facemask usage prevalence among the general public in marketplaces in Denizli, Turkey and also aimed to determine the effects of the announcement of asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and curfew decisions on compliance rates of appropriate mask use. Materials and Methods: In this population-based study, a total of 6749 observations were made in the 8 different marketplaces between 22 November – 3 December 2020. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of age, gender, observation time, and intervention type (announcement of asymptomatic COVID-19 case numbers and, announcement of nationwide curfew decisions) on correct facemask use prevalence. Results: Correct facemask usage prevalence in customers and sellers was 84.3% and 46.3%, respectively. The announcement of the number of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases had no statistically significant effect on correct facemask usage prevalence both among customers and sellers (p>0.05). After the announcement of the curfew decisions, correct facemask usage prevalence increased among customers (OR:1.24 (1.02-1.52)) and sellers (OR:1.64 (1.32-2.03)). Conclusion: The correct use of facemasks is not sufficient, especially among sellers. The announcement of curfew decisions has increased the correct use of masks although, the announcement of asymptomatic COVID-19 case numbers has no effect.