What Sustains Mask-Wearing Behavior among Elders in a Rural Community in the Post-COVID-19 Era: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study.

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 t

SUBMITTER: Lertsakulbunlue S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10451204 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature