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Randler C, Jokimäki J, Kalb N, de Salvo M, de Almeida Barbosa R, Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki ML, Tsai JS, Ortiz-Pulido R, Tryjanowski P. COVID-19 facial covering during outdoor recreation reflects historical disease prevalence and culture above and beyond governmental measures - A study in 53 countries. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2025; 127:103145. [PMID: 40087006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2025.103145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 12/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2025] [Indexed: 03/16/2025]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic severely influenced human behavior due to governmental restrictions. In addition to administrative restrictions, other factors, like historical disease prevalence and culture might impact on recent behavior. The parasite stress theory of values and sociality predicts an influence of historical diseases on human culture and may be of important influence on current human behavioral responses towards the pandemic. To address the influence on behavior, we studied mask use in outdoor recreationists (N = 4863) from 53 cultures. Studying outdoor recreationists is advantageous because people have at least some choices over their mask use, and it is less strictly controlled. We hypothesize that pathogen prevalence and cultural values of a society predict mask usage above and beyond the simplistic explanation of the strength of the governmental pandemic-related restrictions. Our results indicate that societal variables, especially individualism, contribute to the mask use during leisure activities, with people from more individualistic societies reporting lesser mask usage. Further, historic pathogen prevalence has a significant influence on mask use, even when controlling for the stringency measures of the government, HDI and population density. Zoonotic disease richness, however, did not receive significance. A mediation model showed that historical pathogen prevalence had an indirect effect on mask use, via the two pathways collectivism-individualism and governmental regulations. The total effect size of pathogen prevalence on mask use was 0.61, and with 0.24 as direct, and 0.37 indirect effects. Our data fit into the parasite stress theory of values and sociality. Our results provide evidence that the governmental decisions and restrictions themselves are influenced by the historical pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Randler
- Department of Biology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 24, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | - Nadine Kalb
- Department of Biology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 24, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria de Salvo
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Jo-Szu Tsai
- Department of Biological Resources, National Chiayi University, Taiwan
| | - Raúl Ortiz-Pulido
- Population Ecology Laboratory, Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland; TUM School of Life Sciences, Ecoclimatology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany; Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Spatial Planning, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Germany
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Sharan M, Sakthivel M, Rubeshkumar P, Nagarajan R, Venkatasamy V, Muthappan S, Raju M, Chadwick J, S. K, Krishna NS, Kaviprawin M, Gollapalli PK, Ramamurthy S, Ganeshkumar P, Jagadeesan M, Kaur P. Face mask use in the city of Chennai, India: Results from three serial cross-sectional surveys, 2021. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297909. [PMID: 38574080 PMCID: PMC10994359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Government of Tamil Nadu, India, mandated wearing face masks in public places to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We established face mask surveillance and estimated the prevalence of appropriate mask use (covering the nose, mouth, and chin) in the slums and non-slums of Chennai at different time points in 2021. METHODS We conducted three serial cross-sectional surveys in the outdoors and indoors of Chennai in March, July, and October 2021. We observed the mask wearing among 3200 individuals in the outdoors and 1280 in the indoors. We divided the outdoor and indoor locations into slums and non-slums. In October 2021, we also surveyed 150 individuals from each of the 11 shopping malls in the city. We calculated the proportions and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the appropriate mask use in the outdoor, indoor, and malls by age, gender, region, and setting (slum and non-slum). RESULTS We observed 3200 individuals in the outdoor and 1280 individuals in the indoor setting, each from a slum and non-slum, during the three rounds of the study. In outdoor and indoors, males comprised three-fourths and middle-aged individuals were half the study population. Mask compliance changed significantly with time (p-value <0.001). Males consistently demonstrated better compliance in all rounds. The south region had the highest mask compliance in slums indoors and outdoors in rounds 4 and 5. Young adults had the highest mask compliance in both outdoor slums and non-slums in all rounds. Overall mask compliance in shopping malls was 57% (95% CI: 48-65). CONCLUSION The mask compliance in Chennai outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic was less than 50%, with variations across time points by gender, age groups, and geographical locations. We must develop more effective communication strategies for older age groups and crowded indoor settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Sharan
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Polani Rubeshkumar
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramya Nagarajan
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vettrichelvan Venkatasamy
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sendhilkumar Muthappan
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Joshua Chadwick
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Navaneeth S. Krishna
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | | | | - Parasuraman Ganeshkumar
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Prabhdeep Kaur
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Kanojia P, Chaudhury B, Kelkar P, Javadekar A, Chaudhury S, Saldanha D. Attitudes toward the use of facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian community. Ind Psychiatry J 2023; 32:S206-S212. [PMID: 38370960 PMCID: PMC10871417 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_201_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The use of face masks by all community members for the prevention of COVID-19 infection is considered one of the most effective strategies. However, the use of masks by community members was influenced by many factors which affected its efficacy as a preventive measure. Aim To evaluate the attitudes toward the use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian community. Materials and Methods We did an online survey with the help of a questionnaire which included information about demographic data, awareness and attitudes about COVID-19 infection and its preventive measures, and attitudes towards mask use in particular. Results Participants had a positive attitude towards mask use. However, there were certain reasons for not using masks some of which were gender specific. Conclusion People had good awareness and attitude towards mask use. However, some gender differences in perception of masks used in various settings should be addressed for future awareness and education of the community about mask use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl Kanojia
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Bhushan Chaudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Parisha Kelkar
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Archana Javadekar
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suprakash Chaudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Daniel Saldanha
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Lertsakulbunlue S, Kittisarapong P, Pikulkaew S, Pusayapaibul P, Tangtongsoonthorn A, Wichaiboon C, Amornchatchawankul F, Marsook S, Mahaisawariya S, Subwongcharoen N, Petcharat P, Luksanasup B, Lortharaprasert T, Tieantanyatip B, Kantiwong A, Jongcherdchootrakul K. What Sustains Mask-Wearing Behavior among Elders in a Rural Community in the Post-COVID-19 Era: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:678. [PMID: 37622818 PMCID: PMC10451204 DOI: 10.3390/bs13080678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study investigates the factors influencing face-mask-wearing practices among elderly individuals in rural Thailand. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving qualitative interviews with 15 elderly participants and a subsequent survey of 201 elders. Seven subthemes were identified, including the perceived benefits of mask-wearing, the perceived threat of COVID-19, mask-wearing enhancing attractiveness and self-confidence, social norms, misconceptions about COVID-19 prevention tools, perceived barriers to mask-wearing, and resources to afford face masks. The developed themes, codes, and quotes were utilized for creating a questionnaire. The survey revealed the adherence of 81.1% of the participants to mask-wearing. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis demonstrated that motivation, comprising (1) the perceived threat of COVID-19, (2) alternative threats aside from COVID-19, and (3) the perceived benefits of a face mask strongly affected mask-wearing practices (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) and the willingness to wear a face mask (β = 0.61, p < 0.001). Social norms had a negative direct effect on the perceived barrier (β = -0.48, p < 0.001) and a positive direct effect on mask-wearing practices (β = 0.25, p = 0.001). This study highlights that motivation and social norms play pivotal roles in sustaining mask-wearing behavior among rural elderly populations. Encouraging local cooperative actions through community rules could initiate behavioral changes within the community. These findings contribute to the understanding of factors influencing mask-wearing and provide insights into designing effective interventions to promote mask-wearing among elderly individuals in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sethapong Lertsakulbunlue
- Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Pinyada Kittisarapong
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Sirikorn Pikulkaew
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Pree Pusayapaibul
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Apisit Tangtongsoonthorn
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Chanunpisut Wichaiboon
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Fasai Amornchatchawankul
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Suranuch Marsook
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Supakrit Mahaisawariya
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Nattasit Subwongcharoen
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Phitchayut Petcharat
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Bannawit Luksanasup
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Thakornphong Lortharaprasert
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Bavorn Tieantanyatip
- Medical Cadet, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.K.); (S.P.); (P.P.); (A.T.); (C.W.); (F.A.); (S.M.); (S.M.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (B.L.); (T.L.); (B.T.)
| | - Anupong Kantiwong
- Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.L.); (A.K.)
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