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

Abstract

IntroductionAlthough 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.MethodsA 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 wearing and not wearing; (iii) incorporating the mask into way of life; (iv) projecting into the future.ResultsA total of 116 people were interviewed. Masks marked a shift from the ordinary world to the pandemic. Overall, interviewees considered masks an obstacle to breathing, communication, and social interactions, leading to establishing strategies circumventing the mask mandate. Poor attention was paid to their medical usefulness as an obligatory clothing accessory. Mask-wearing decisions were driven by social relations, common sense, and vulnerability. The greater the feeling of security (i.e., being with close relatives), the less it was worn or worn properly, with decreased attention to others and their health. Most participants did not remember learning to wear a mask. Some were convinced that mask-wearing could not be learned (experiential knowledge). Institutions (school and work) played a central role by facilitating incorporation of masks into daily life.ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the need to reinforce the individual medical values of face masks to prevent COVID-19. Ambitious education and training programmes should be planned to learn how and when to wear masks. Institutions (work and school) may be critical for this purpose.

Exploring adolescents' experiences of continuing to wear face masks during COVID‐19: A qualitative descriptive study in Barcelona (Spain)

“…Additionally, they may provide a sense of security in terms of physical appearance. Previous research has investigated the social representations and significance of wearing face masks during the pandemic 19,22 . These studies highlighted the various roles that face masks play in people's lives, extending beyond their primary purpose of protection.…”

“…Therefore, individuals' decisions to wear masks or not were influenced by their social connections, personal judgement and perceived susceptibility. 22 These findings can be explained by Fineman's theory of vulnerability, which states that people are constantly exposed to multiple biopsychosocial hazards, making them vulnerable to harm and injury due to the ever-present possibility of harm and injury. 23,p.9 The study by Chen and Lei 24 employed the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to understand adolescents' decisions regarding mask adoption.…”

“…Additionally, Warnock‐Parkes et al 21 found that the strongest predictors of wearing masks are an individual's belief in their ability to protect others and having an underlying health condition. Therefore, individuals' decisions to wear masks or not were influenced by their social connections, personal judgement and perceived susceptibility 22 . These findings can be explained by Fineman's theory of vulnerability, which states that people are constantly exposed to multiple biopsychosocial hazards, making them vulnerable to harm and injury due to the ever‐present possibility of harm and injury 23 .…”