Effects of widespread community use of face masks on communication, participation, and quality of life in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT: The objective was to document the influence of face mask use by other people on communication experiences, participation in activities, and quality of life. Australian adults (n = 665) completed an online survey; 90.8% resided in a state with mandatory mask use outside the home and 44.1% self-reported hearing difficulties. Mask use was reported as negatively affecting communication quality in the community (90.2%) and workplace (91.8%), and with household members (59.1%), including an increased requirement for clarification and repetition, increased difficulty communicating, and decreased understanding. Masks influenced feelings when communicating in the community (74.1%) and workplace (76.7%), and with household members (43.6%), including increased fatigue and frustration, and decreased c

SUBMITTER: Galvin KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9526537 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature