The use of the respiratory protective devices by the population during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction. Wearing a face mask is an important measure against spread of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The purpose of the study was to analyze various aspects of the face masks use by the population during the pandemic. The questioner was used. 

Results. Almost all respondents (96.4%) wore respiratory protective devices during the pandemic; 91.4% respondents worn face masks visiting grocery stores, pharmacies and medical organizations; 64.0% — visiting non-food trade facilities; 76.9% — travelling by surface transport, and 76.1% — being on the subway. Different types of face masks were used, 93.3% of respondents used disposable medical mask, 25.4% — reusable cloth masks. However, only 44.8% of respondents indicated that their protective equipment was made of non-woven material; 26.1% did not know how many layers their protective equipment contained; about a third of respondents (20.1% — 30.21%) were not able to assess the effectiveness of different types of respiratory protection. A third of the respondents (33.6%) wore a disposable medical mask for 2 hours, 35.2% — more than 2 hours in one day, 28.0% — for several days. 

Conclusions. Most of the respondents wore the face mask. Disposable medical masks were most commonly used. Requirements for the duration of wearing of face masks were met by about third of the respondents, for the handling — half of the respondents. Spontaneous choice of face mask by respondents confirms the importance of the development of hygiene guideline for choosing the most effective respiratory protection.