Practice and technique in use of face mask among elders in Hong Kong

Abstract

Introduction: Face mask is effective in protecting oneself and preventing others from acquiring respiratory infections. Correct use of face mask entails right practice and technique. This topic is rarely examined in elders who are prone to respiratory infections and hence severe complications. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in early 2017. A questionnaire and an observational checklist were developed to assess elders' practice and technique in use of face mask, respectively. Two instruments were developed according to the guidelines from the Department of Health. Their content validity, test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability were tested to be good. A convenience sample of 287 elders aged >65 years were invited to answer the questionnaire. They were then asked to wear and take off a face mask in front of the researcher. Their performance was observed and evaluated according to the checklist. Data were analysed descriptively. Results: Face masks were used sub-optimally among the elders. Regarding the practice, at least 27% of the elders never wore a face mask when caring for people with fever or respiratory infection. Only 55% of elders indicated that they always wore face mask when visiting hospitals during peak season or influenza pandemic. Regarding the technique, no elder could correctly perform all the required 12 steps in wearing and taking off a face mask. On average, they performed 5 steps correctly. >92% of the elders did not perform hand hygiene before putting on or taking off the face mask, or after disposing the face mask. Conclusion: Despite health promotion efforts, elders in Hong Kong do not use face masks correctly. Specific sub-optimal areas in use of face mask were identified and may suggest directions and strategies for future health promotion practice.

Introduction: Face mask is effective in protecting oneself and preventing others from acquiring respiratory infections. Correct use of face mask entails right practice and technique. This topic is rarely examined in elders who are prone to respiratory infections and hence severe complications. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in early 2017. A questionnaire and an observational checklist were developed to assess elders' practice and technique in use of face mask, respectively. Two instruments were developed according to the guidelines from the Department of Health. Their content validity, test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability were tested to be good. A convenience sample of 287 elders aged >65 years were invited to answer the questionnaire. They were then asked to wear and take off a face mask in front of the researcher. Their performance was observed and evaluated according to the checklist. Data were analysed descriptively. Results: Face masks were used sub-optimally among the elders. Regarding the practice, at least 27% of the elders never wore a face mask when caring for people with fever or respiratory infection. Only 55% of elders indicated that they always wore face mask when visiting hospitals during peak season or influenza pandemic. Regarding the technique, no elder could correctly perform all the required 12 steps in wearing and taking off a face mask. On average, they performed 5 steps correctly. >92% of the elders did not perform hand hygiene before putting on or taking off the face mask, or after disposing the face mask. Conclusion: Despite health promotion efforts, elders in Hong Kong do not use face masks correctly. Specific sub-optimal areas in use of face mask were identified and may suggest directions and strategies for future health promotion practice.