Knowledge and practice of facemask disposal among university students in Thailand: A new normal post the COVID-19 pandemic

Microplastics and chemical additives from disposable face masks: Environmental, human health and behavioural impacts

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a major environmental issue with significant health implications. Synthetic face masks (FMs) have been identified as a substantial source of MPs and chemical additives, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. This systematic literature review examines the environmental and human health risks associated with MPs and chemical additives released from synthetic FMs and explores the behavioural factors influencing these risks. This interdisciplinary perspective is not well-explored in existing literature and offers new insights into the field. Key findings indicate that MPs are present in newly manufactured FMs, likely generated during the non-woven FM production process, with various environmental factors accelerating the release of MPs and additives. While existing studies highlight MP toxicity in aquatic and terrestrial organisms, there is a lack of research addressing the direct MP impact on human health. Workplaces where FMs are used as personal protective equipment may create conditions that promote pollutant release; however, but the literature has predominantly focused on secondary exposure via the food chain, rather than on direct exposure during FM use. Most research centres on the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a gap in understanding risks for individuals relying on FMs for occupational safety or living in areas with poor air quality. The wide range and concentration of additives reported suggest inadequate regulation in FM production. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term health impacts of MPs and additives, understanding FM-wearing behaviours to assess exposure levels, conducting cause-and-effect studies to inform policy, and developing sustainable alternatives.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of college students in disposing used masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in DKI Jakarta Province

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for mask production which has caused the problem of mask waste generating in the environment without being managed. This research was conducted to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic factors with college student behaviours in managing household mask waste in Daerah Khusus Ibukota (DKI) Jakarta Province.

Methods

This study used a quantitative approach and cross-sectional study design. Data collection was carried out using an online questionnaire consisting of the respondents' sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours.

Results

The majority of students had high knowledge (63.3%), positive attitudes (52.5%), and good behaviours (50.6%). Statistically, there was a significant relationship between knowledge and behaviours (p = 0.022), but there was no significant relationship between attitudes and behaviours (p = 0.269). In addition, the sociodemographic factor variables showed a significant relationship between place of residence and behaviours (p = 0.008). However, there was no significant relationship between age, gender, education, and study program groups and behaviours (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that living with family was a dominant factor for bad behaviours (OR 1.664, 95% CI=1.124-2.464), and the second risk factor was the low level of knowledge has a significant relationship with the behaviours of mask waste management at home (OR=1.559, 95% CI=1.044-2.330).

Conclusions

Students who live alone also show better behaviour compared to students who live with their families. The place of residence variable has the greatest influence on the behaviour of mask waste management at the household, followed by the knowledge variable.

Examining factors influencing public knowledge and practice of proper face mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on people's quality of life worldwide. Appropriate use of facemasks is an important checkpoint in containing the spread of infection, which was believed to provide the desired level of protection and preserve the community. Given the relative novelty of facemask use in the general population, it is imperative to prioritize the promotion of appropriate facemask utilization and identify factors that may contribute to poor adherence.

Aim

This study assessed the factors that determined facemask use among the public.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between November 2020 and January 2021. The current study explored the factors such as demographic characteristics influencing the knowledge and practice of proper use of facemasks. The study included a total of 198 participants. The results were derived through binomial logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between the demographic characteristics and responses.

Results

The key findings of the study which are crucial in developing targeted intervention strategies to enhance the responsible use and disposal of facemasks are gender, income and employment. A significant difference was found between male and female participants regarding a positive approach to using facemasks, such as washing their hands (P = 0.042). In addition, homemakers differed significantly from students, regarding the correct usage of facemasks (P = 0.026). The study participants were aware that hand hygiene is essential when putting on and removing facemasks. Despite wearing facemasks properly, adult participants possessed less knowledge about the hazards of reusing facemasks and appropriate disposal (OR = 0.202, 95% CI [0.032-1.298]).

Conclusion

The present research identified gender, income, and employment as the primary attributes that play a pivotal role in the formulation of focused intervention tactics aimed at improving the cautious use and appropriate disposal of facemasks. It is essential to implement nationwide awareness activities, such as information campaigns, to enhance knowledge. Health authorities should establish a functional infrastructure for the collection and disposal of used facemasks by the general public, starting with the dissemination of knowledge. Moreover, the results of the present study have significant implications for health preventive programs aimed at preparing for future pandemics, since they highlight the specific demographic groups that should be prioritized in the development of such policies. Furthermore, it is advisable to integrate these interventional initiatives with national health polices to promote preparedness for handling future pandemics.