Social representations of mask wearing in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Although one of the most prominent interventions against COVID-19, face masks seem poorly adopted by the general population. A growing body of literature has found that using face masks has social meaning. This qualitative study assessed the perceptions, representations and practices of mask wearing in the general population.

Methods

A qualitative survey by short semi-structured walking interviews was carried out from April to December 2021 in 11 cities in France's Pays de la Loire region. Study locations were selected for their varied geographical, social, and economic characteristics, with urbanized and rural areas. Four domains linked to perceptions of masks and wearing them were explored: (i) evolution in mask wearing, (ii) decision-making methods for wearin

SUBMITTER: Bornand E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10165064 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature