Reuse and practice of wearing masks among university students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2024.48.14268Keywords:
COVID-19, Masks, Security Measures, Pandemics, UniversitiesAbstract
This study aimed to analyze the use of masks and associated factors among university students in Paraíba during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional, analytical study, developed in a public education institution in the state of Paraíba with 404 university students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Face Mask Use Scale, a Brazilian Portuguese version. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The overall score for the practice of wearing masks was 23.7 (Standard deviation=4.9). Using masks in healthcare environments obtained the highest score of 9.2 (Standard deviation=1.6). Monthly income, COVID-19 diagnosis, isolation, and illicit drug use were factors associated with the use of masks. It appears that university students practice poor use of masks in public and home environments.
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