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.
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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.
You have requested "on-the-fly" machine translation of selected content from our databases. This functionality is provided solely for your convenience and is in no way intended to replace human translation. Show full disclaimer
Neither ProQuest nor its licensors make any representations or warranties with respect to the translations. The translations are automatically generated "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and are not retained in our systems. PROQUEST AND ITS LICENSORS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES FOR AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Your use of the translations is subject to all use restrictions contained in your Electronic Products License Agreement and by using the translation functionality you agree to forgo any and all claims against ProQuest or its licensors for your use of the translation functionality and any output derived there from. Hide full disclaimer
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1 Division of Nursing and Health Studies, The Open University of Hong Kong