Dataset Information

Mask-wearing and control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the USA: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Face masks have become commonplace across the USA because of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic. Although evidence suggests that masks help to curb the spread of the disease, there is little empirical research at the population level. We investigate the association between self-reported mask-wearing, physical distancing, and SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the USA, along with the effect of statewide mandates on mask uptake.

Methods

Serial cross-sectional surveys were administered via a web platform to randomly surveyed US individuals aged 13 years and older, to query self-reports of face mask-wearing. Survey responses were combined with instantaneous reproductive number (R_t) estimates from two publicly available sources, the outcome of interest. Measures of physical distancing, community demographics, and other potential sources of confounding (from publicly available sources) were also assessed. We fitted multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the association between mask-wearing and community transmission control (R_t<1). Additionally, mask-wearing in 12 states was evaluated 2 weeks before and after statewide mandates.

Findings

378?207 individuals responded to the survey between June 3 and July 27, 2020, of which 4186 were excluded for missing data. We observed an increasing trend in reported mask usage across the USA, although uptake varied by geography. A logistic model controlling for physical distancing, population demographics, and other variables found that a 10% increase in self-reported mask-wearing was associated with an increased odds of transmission control (odds ratio 3·53, 95% CI 2·03-6·43). We found that communities with high reported mask-wearing and physical distancing had the highest predicted probability of transmission control. Segmented regression analysis of reported mask-wearing showed no statistically significant change in the slope after mandates were introduced; however, the upward trend in reported mask-wearing was preserved.

Interpretation

The widespread reported use of face masks combined with physical distancing increases the odds of SARS-CoV-2 transmission control. Self-reported mask-wearing increased separately from government mask mandates, suggesting that supplemental public health interventions are needed to maximise adoption and help to curb the ongoing epidemic.

Funding

Flu Lab, Google.org (via the Tides Foundation), National Institutes for Health, National Science Foundation, Morris-Singer Foundation, MOOD, Branco Weiss Fellowship, Ending Pandemics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA).

SUBMITTER: Rader B

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7817421 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Mask-wearing and control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the USA: a cross-sectional study.

Rader Benjamin B White Laura F LF Burns Michael R MR Chen Jack J Brilliant Joseph J Cohen Jon J Shaman Jeffrey J Brilliant Larry L Kraemer Moritz U G MUG Hawkins Jared B JB Scarpino Samuel V SV Astley Christina M CM Brownstein John S JS

The Lancet. Digital health 20210119 3

<h4>Background</h4>Face masks have become commonplace across the USA because of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic. Although evidence suggests that masks help to curb the spread of the disease, there is little empirical research at the population level. We investigate the association between self-reported mask-wearing, physical distancing, and SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the USA, along with the effect of statewide mandates on mask uptake.<h4>Methods</h4>Seri ...[more]

PMID: 33483277

Similar Datasets

Project description:IntroductionCloth face coverings and surgical masks have become commonplace across the United States in response to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. While evidence suggests masks help curb the spread of respiratory pathogens, research is limited. Face masks have quickly become a topic of public debate as government mandates have started requiring their use. Here we investigate the association between self-reported mask wearing, social distancing and community SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the United States, as well as the effect of statewide mandates on mask uptake.MethodsSerial cross-sectional surveys were administered June 3 through July 27, 2020 via web platform. Surveys queried individuals' likelihood to wear a face mask to the grocery store or with family and friends. Responses (N=378,207) were aggregated by week and state and combined with measures of the instantaneous reproductive number (Rt), social distancing proxies, respondent demographics and other potential sources of confounding. We fit multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the association between mask wearing and community transmission control (Rt <1) for each state and week. Multiple sensitivity analyses were considered to corroborate findings across mask wearing definitions, Rt estimators and data sources. Additionally, mask wearing in 12 states was evaluated two weeks before and after statewide mandates.ResultsWe find an upward trend in mask usage across the U.S., although uptake varies by geography and demographic groups. A multivariate logistic model controlling for social distancing and other variables found a 10% increase in mask wearing was associated with a 3.53 (95% CI: 2.03, 6.43) odds of transmission control (Rt <1). We also find that communities with high mask wearing and social distancing have the highest predicted probability of a controlled epidemic. These positive associations were maintained across sensitivity analyses. Segmented regression analysis of mask wearing found no statistical change following mandates, however the positive trend of increased mask wearing over time was preserved.ConclusionWidespread utilization of face masks combined with social distancing increases the odds of SARS-CoV-2 transmission control. Mask wearing rose separately from government mask mandates, suggesting supplemental public health interventions are needed to maximize mask adoption and disrupt the spread of SARS-CoV-2, especially as social distancing measures are relaxed.

Project description:ObjectiveThere is a limited information on mask wearing in relation to anxiety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between mask wearing practice and the risk of anxiety during the COVID-19 epidemic among teachers in Henan province, China.MethodsWe enrolled 88,611 teachers in an online cross-sectional survey across three cities of Henan Province in China. A total of 94.75% of study participants completed an online questionnaire between February 4, 2020 and February 12, 2020. Mask wearing practice was defined according to its type, how it is worn, and the behavior exhibited in relation to wearing a mask. We used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool (GAD-7) to assess anxiety levels among study participants. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate the association between mask wearing practice and anxiety by using multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 67,357 registered teachers (25.91% men) were included in this study. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants who knew the wrong type of mask had 17% increased odds of having anxiety compared to those who knew the proper type (Aor = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.11-1.24). Odds for anxiety were higher for teachers who did not know the proper way of wearing mask compared to those who knew it properly (aOR = 1.18; 95%CI: 1.07-1.30). Not adhering to proper behavior of mask wearing was associated with 39% increased odds for anxiety (aOR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.18-1.64). The odds for anxiety for teachers who did not adhere to all the three parameters of proper mask wearing was about 2.55 times as much compared to those who reported full compliance to the parameters (aOR = 2.55; 95%CI: 1.22-5.35). We observed similar ORs on stratified analyses across gender and age groups.ConclusionOur findings suggest that improper mask wearing is another important attribute that play a significant role in increasing the risk of anxiety during the COVID-19 epidemic situation. However, these results should be considered as exploratory and hence interpreted with caution.

Project description:ObjectivesCOVID-19 is an infectious disease spreading through respiratory droplets. Using a face mask correctly is one of the essential preventive measures. We launched a survey to discover the current face mask-wearing problems for better prevention and control of the pandemic.Setting/participantsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 1240 residents in Shanghai during 18-28 February 2020. Stratified random sampling was adopted in the urban area, urban-rural fringe area and rural area. A mobile self-designed questionnaire was used.Main outcome measuresAnalysis of the demographic and sociological factors influencing residents' face mask type selection, disposable surgical mask-wearing behaviour, replacement time and the storage method for reuse of disposable surgical masks.ResultsThe accuracy of residents' face mask type selection was rated 41.61% (513/1233), and that of urban-rural fringe residents, low-education residents, elderly residents, were low, respectively (p<0.001). 96.67% of residents always wore face masks in crowded public places. Multiple-factor analysis showed that region, gender and education level were the influencing factors for entirely fitting the disposable surgical mask to the face. Region was an influencing factor for not touching the mask's external surface while wearing or removing it. Education level was an influencing factor for recognising the external and inner mask surface, upper and lower edge of a disposable surgical mask. The accuracy of the mask replacement time was 25.63% (316/1223). It was low with elderly, low-education residents, respectively (p<0.001).The accuracy of residents' storage method for reuse of disposable surgical mask was 3.81% (47/1233), and region, age and education level were influencing factors.ConclusionsShanghai residents recorded a high rate of wearing face masks. Selection of an appropriate type of face mask, disposable surgical mask-wearing behaviour, replacement time and storage method for reuse of disposable surgical masks should be particularly emphasised in future behaviour change interventions.

Dataset Information

Mask-wearing and control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the USA: a cross-sectional study.

Background

Methods

Findings

Interpretation

Funding

Publications

Mask-wearing and control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the USA: a cross-sectional study.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets