Adherence to mask wearing on public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic and influential factors: the case of Hanoi

Abstract

In response to little known about the use of face masks for public transport passengers in developing countries, this study investigates the prevalence of using masks and using masks correctly together with influential factors. Using 570-passenger data collected on the whole bus network from 7 September to 3 October 2020 in Hanoi, the authors found that 100% of users wore masks; however, about 11% failed to wear masks correctly. As regards factors, passengers who are old, rarely ride by bus, take heavy luggage, travel with other(s) were more likely to use masks incorrectly. Having a health issue encouraged the correct use of masks. Attitudes towards the COVID-19 were significant factors. The higher levels of agreement with the acute danger of COVID-19 and the risk of infection from the public were involved in the higher likelihood of the correct mask wearing. Notably, over time with no community transmission of the coronavirus, the likelihood of incorrect use of masks was more inclined to increase. To address the wrong utilization of masks on buses, the role of ticket conductors in reminding and asking users using masks incorrectly should be enhanced. Additionally, authorities should issue messages and implement campaigns to encourage citizens to wear in public spaces on a regular basis, particularly when the adherence reduces over the time without community transmission of COVID-19. Although not covering all aspects representing the incorrect mask wearing, this study is one the first research on the incorrect use of masks, thus extending the literature on how public transport users respond the effects of COVID-19.

Why are Hanoi students giving up on bus ridership?

“…On public transport, face masks have been mandatory and this rule has been strictly enforced. One study (Manh et al 2021 ) reported that the rate of mask wearing is 100% on-board with nearly 90% of passengers using masks correctly. As a consequence, no cases of infection have been detected on public transport and the perception of risk has been minimized.…”

Factors Affecting the Growth of E-Shopping over the COVID-19 Era in Hanoi, Vietnam

“…To prevent the transmission of the coronavirus, the government of Vietnam decided to apply social distancing from 31 March to 30 April 2020 [26]. To investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on inhabitants' daily lives in Hanoi, we carried out a four-week survey between 6 and 30 April 2020 to collect data on the realities of e-activities.…”

“…First detected in Wuhan in December 2019, a highly infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly escalated into a pandemic, officially named COVID-19 [23]. To combat the "public health emergency of international concern" declared by the World Health Organization, a series of interventions and recommendations at different degrees (e.g., wearing masks, working from home, social distancing, and lockdown) to limit physical interactions between citizens have been issued [24][25][26]. In adapting to the context of mobility restrictions, people have been accelerating the use of ICT to perform daily activities, such as shopping [27,28].…”

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Risk Perception and Use of Local Public Transport During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Offering masks at the stations might be especially valuable for these groups. Furthermore, the study of Huu Manh et al (2021) suggests that communication does not end with only wearing the mask, but also prompting to wear masks correctly could contribute to decreasing the objective risk in public transport. In their study, 11% of passengers failed to wear the mask correctly, especially passengers who were older, rarely used public transport, transported heavy luggage, or traveled with others.…”