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. 2022 Jan 18;12(1):ibab132.
doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibab132.

Predictors of mask-wearing during the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from South Africa

Ronelle Burger  1 , Carmen Christian  2 , Rene English  3 , Brendan Maughan-Brown  4 , Laura Rossouw  5
Affiliations

Predictors of mask-wearing during the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from South Africa

Ronelle Burger et al. Transl Behav Med. .

Abstract

Background: In the absence of a vaccine, the global spread of COVID-19 during 2020 has necessitated non-pharmaceutical interventions to curb the rise of cases.

Purpose: The article uses the health belief model and a novel rapid mobile survey to examine correlates of reported mask-wearing as a non-pharmaceutical intervention in South Africa between May and August 2020.

Methods: Two-way tabulations and multivariable analysis via logistic regression modeling describe correlations between reported mask-wearing and factors of interest among a sample of 7074 adults in a two-period national longitudinal survey, the National Income Dynamics Study-Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM).

Results: In line with the health belief model, results showed that self-efficacy, the prevalence of others' mask-wearing in the same district, and affluence were positively associated with reported mask-wearing. Those who reported staying at home were significantly less likely to report wearing a mask. There was little evidence that the expected severity of the disease if contracted, affects these decisions. Hypertension, obesity, or being overweight (measured three years earlier) did not have a significant association with mask-wearing. The prevalence of mask-wearing increased significantly from May to August 2020 as COVID-19 cases increased and lockdown restrictions were eased. Contrary to the health belief model, we found that despite having a higher mortality risk, the elderly had significantly lower odds of mask-wearing.

Conclusion: In South Africa, the mask-wearing adherence has increased rapidly. It is concerning that the elderly had lower odds of mask-wearing. This should be examined further in future research.

Keywords: COVID-19; Face-coverings; Masks; Prevention; South Africa.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Health belief model and the likelihood of wearing masks.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Perceived likelihood of getting Coronavirus (c.f. disease progress and local Google searches for Coronavirus), May to August 2020.
Fig 3
Fig 3
Percentage of respondents who reported wearing masks, comparing those who stay at home and those who do not, May to August 2020.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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