40 Facemasks: Perceptions and Use in an Emergency Department Population During COVID-19

Abstract

Study Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of facemasks by the general population has become a significant issue despite evidence that shows that facemask use is associated with reduced transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the causative organism of COVID-19. We assessed beliefs, access, and practices of mask wearing across an ED population. Methods: This was a cross sectional survey of ED patients conducted from 12/14/20 - 2/22/21 at 15 geographically diverse safety net EDs. The survey asked questions regarding COVID-19 vaccine and the use of facemasks. In this analysis, the primary outcome was reporting the responses to survey questions regarding mask wearing practice and patient access to masks. Results: Of 2513 patients approached, 2239 (89.1%) agreed to participate. The median age of respondents was 48 years (IQR 34 - 62). The race and ethnicity reported for participants were: 40% White, 29% Black, 24% Latinx and 5% Asian. All other categories each accounted for 1% or less of the respondents. 14.8% reported that they had previously been diagnosed with COVID-19. Most respondents (81%) had primary care doctors or clinics. Of those without primary care, 64% used the ED as their usual source of health care. 78% of respondents reported wearing masks “all of the time” and 17% reported wearing masks >50% of the time. Subjects with primary care providers (PCPs) were more likely to report wearing masks at least most of the time as compared to subjects without primary care (97% vs 92%) Those with no PCP reported more difficulties obtaining masks compared to those who have a PCP (13% vs 6%, p < 0.001). The primary reasons respondents cited for not wearing masks were that they do not believe that masks work, masks are uncomfortable, and masks make it hard to breathe. Subjects with a PCP and those without a PCP both reported that the most common source of masks was through purchasing at a store or pharmacy. Subjects without a PCP were more likely to get masks from a shelter or food bank as compared to those without a PCP (6.5% vs 2.1%). Surveys were administered exclusively in urban EDs, and there may be response bias towards mask wearing in the hospital setting. Conclusion: Overall, respondents in the study reported a high rate of facemask wearing. Having a PCP was associated with higher proportion of respondents who reported wearing a mask at least 50% of the time. Respondents without a PCP also reported greater barriers in obtaining masks than those with a PCP. The results of this study inform on the acceptance rate of facemask usage in a large population of ED patients primarily in an urban setting. Having a PCP provides opportunities for education and distribution of facemasks. There is an opportunity to increase facemask usage through increased education and availability.