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Butz KHG, Mueller SM, Spille JL, Martin S, Grunwald M. Refraining from spontaneous face touch is linked to personality traits, reduced memory performance and EEG changes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14600. [PMID: 38918449 PMCID: PMC11199707 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous touches of one's face (sFST) were suggested to serve cognitive-emotional regulation processes. During the pandemic, refraining from face-touching was recommended, yet, accompanying effects and the influence of personal attributes remain unclear. Ninety participants (45 female, 45 male) filled out a questionnaire concerning personality, anxiety screening and ADHD screening. Subsequently, they performed a delayed verbal memory recall task four times. After two times, sixty participants were instructed to refrain from face-touching (experimental group). Thirty participants did not receive behavioral instructions (control group). To identify face-touches and conduct further analysis, Video, EMG, and EEG data were recorded. Two samples were formed, depending on the adherence to completely refrain from face-touching (adherent, non-adherent sample) and compared to each other and the control group. EEG analyses uncovered that refraining from face-touching is accompanied by increased beta-power at sensorimotor sites and, exclusively in the non-adherent sample, at frontal sites. Decreased memory performance was found exclusively in subsamples, who non-adherently touched their face while retaining words. In terms of questionnaire results, lower Conscientiousness and higher ADHD screening scores were revealed by the non-adherent compared to the adherent sample. No differences were found among the subsamples. The presented results indicate that refraining from face-touching is related to personal attributes, accompanied by neurophysiological shifts and for a portion of humans by lower memory performance, supporting the notion that sFST serve processes beyond sensorimotor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H G Butz
- Haptic Research Laboratory, Paul Flechsig Institute - Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephanie M Mueller
- Haptic Research Laboratory, Paul Flechsig Institute - Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jente L Spille
- Haptic Research Laboratory, Paul Flechsig Institute - Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sven Martin
- Haptic Research Laboratory, Paul Flechsig Institute - Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Grunwald
- Haptic Research Laboratory, Paul Flechsig Institute - Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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2
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Millest A, Saeed S, Symons C, Carter H. Effect of face-covering use on adherence to other COVID-19 protective behaviours: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0284629. [PMID: 38603671 PMCID: PMC11008824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns were raised that face covering use may elicit risk compensation; a false sense of security resulting in reduced adherence to other protective behaviours such as physical distancing. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of face covering use on adherence to other COVID-19 related protective behaviours. Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, EmCare, medRxiv preprints, Research Square and WHO COVID-19 Research Database were searched for all primary research studies published from 1st January 2020 to 17th May 2022 that investigated the effect of face covering use on adherence to other protective behaviours in public settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Papers were selected and screened in accordance with the PRISMA framework. Backwards and forwards citation searches of included papers were also conducted on 16th September 2022, with eligible papers published between 1st January 2020 and that date being included. A quality appraisal including risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Quality Criteria Checklist. This review is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42022331961. 47 papers were included, with quality ranging from low to high. These papers investigated the effects of face covering use and face covering policies on adherence to six categories of behaviour: physical distancing; mobility; face-touching; hand hygiene; close contacts; and generalised protective behaviour. Results reveal no consistent evidence for or against risk compensation, with findings varying according to behaviour and across study types, and therefore confident conclusions cannot be made. Any policy decisions related to face coverings must consider the inconsistencies and caveats in this evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Millest
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sidra Saeed
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Symons
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Carter
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
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3
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Wilson M, van Allen ZM, Grimshaw JM, Brehaut JC, Durand A, Lalonde JF, Manuel DG, Michie S, West R, Presseau J. Reducing touching eyes, nose and mouth ('T-zone') to reduce the spread of infectious disease: A prospective study of motivational, volitional and non-reflective predictors. Br J Health Psychol 2023; 28:893-913. [PMID: 36997474 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The route into the body for many pathogens is through the eyes, nose and mouth (i.e., the 'T-zone') via inhalation or fomite-based transfer during face touching. It is important to understand factors that are associated with touching the T-zone to inform preventive strategies. PURPOSE To identify theory-informed predictors of intention to reduce facial 'T-zone' touching and self-reported 'T-zone' touching. METHODS We conducted a nationally representative prospective questionnaire study of Canadians. Respondents were randomized to answer questions about touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with a questionnaire assessing 11 factors from an augmented Health Action Process Approach at baseline: intention, outcome expectancies, risk perception, individual severity, self-efficacy, action planning, coping planning, social support, automaticity, goal facilitation and stability of context. At 2-week follow-up, we assessed HAPA-based indicators of self-regulatory activities (awareness of standards, effort, self-monitoring) and self-reported behaviour (primary dependent variable). RESULTS Of 656 Canadian adults recruited, 569 responded to follow-up (87% response rate). Across all areas of the 'T-zone', outcome expectancy was the strongest predictor of intention to reduce facial 'T-zone' touching, while self-efficacy was a significant predictor for only the eyes and mouth. Automaticity was the strongest predictor of behaviour at the 2-week follow-up. No sociodemographic or psychological factors predicted behaviour, with the exception of self-efficacy, which negatively predicted eye touching. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that focusing on reflective processes may increase intention to reduce 'T-zone' touching, while reducing actual 'T-zone' touching may require strategies that address the automatic nature of this behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie Wilson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zachary M van Allen
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Grimshaw
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie C Brehaut
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Audrey Durand
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-François Lalonde
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Douglas G Manuel
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert West
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Justin Presseau
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Mehra R, Meda M, Pichon B, Gentry V, Smith A, Nicholls M, Ryan Y, Woods J, Tote S. Whole-genome sequencing links cases dispersed in time, place, and person while supporting healthcare worker management in an outbreak of Panton-Valentine leucocidin meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; and a review of literature. J Hosp Infect 2023; 141:88-98. [PMID: 37678435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This is a report on an outbreak of Panton-Valentine leucocidin-producing meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-MRSA) in an intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic that affected seven patients and a member of staff. Six patients were infected over a period of ten months on ICU by the same strain of PVL-MRSA, and a historic case identified outside of the ICU. All cases were linked to a healthcare worker (HCW) who was colonized with the organism. Failed topical decolonization therapy, without systemic antibiotic therapy, resulted in ongoing transmission and one preventable acquisition of PVL-MRSA. The outbreak identifies the support that may be needed for HCWs implicated in outbreaks. It also demonstrates the role of whole-genome sequencing in identifying dispersed and historic cases related to the outbreak, which in turn aids decision-making in outbreak management and HCW support. This report also includes a review of literature of PVL-MRSA-associated outbreaks in healthcare and highlights the need for review of current national guidance in the management of HCWs' decolonization regimen and return-to-work recommendations in such outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mehra
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | - M Meda
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK.
| | - B Pichon
- UK Health and Security Agency, UK
| | - V Gentry
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | - A Smith
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | | | - Y Ryan
- UK Health and Security Agency, UK
| | - J Woods
- Department of Anaesthetics and ITU, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | - S Tote
- Department of Anaesthetics and ITU, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
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Niesen S, Ramon D, Spencer-Hwang R, Sinclair R. The Relationship Between Face Mask Use and Face-Touching Frequency in Public Areas: Naturalistic Study. Interact J Med Res 2023; 12:e43308. [PMID: 37094229 PMCID: PMC10262021 DOI: 10.2196/43308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, a major public health goal has been reducing the spread of the virus, with particular emphasis on reducing transmission from person to person. Frequent face touching can transmit viral particles from one infected person and subsequently infect others in a public area. This raises an important concern about the use of face masks and their relationship with face-touching behaviors. One concern discussed during the pandemic is that wearing a mask, and different types of masks, could increase face touching because there is a need to remove the mask to smoke, drink, eat, etc. To date, there have been few studies that have assessed this relationship between mask wearing and the frequency of face touching relative to face-touching behaviors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the frequency of face touching in people wearing a mask versus not wearing a mask in high-foot traffic urban outdoor areas. The purpose of this study was to assess if mask wearing was associated with increased face touching. METHODS Public webcam videos from 4 different cities in New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Florida were used to collect data. Face touches were recorded as pedestrians passed under the webcam. Adult pedestrians wearing masks were compared to those not wearing masks. Quantitative measures of frequency, duration, site of touch, and oral activities were recorded. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between mask use and face touching. RESULTS Of the 490 observed subjects, 241 (49.2%) were wearing a mask properly and 249 (50.8%) were not. In the unmasked group, 33.7% (84/249) were wearing it improperly, covering the mouth only. Face touching occurred in 11.4% (56/490) of the masked group and 17.6% (88/490) in the unmasked group. Of those who touched their face, 61.1% (88/144) of people were not wearing a mask. The most common site of face touching was the perioral region in both groups. Both the masked and unmasked group had a frequency of face touching for 0.03 touches/s. Oral activities such as eating or smoking increased face touching in the unmasked group. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to expectations, non-mask-wearing subjects touched their face more frequently than those who were wearing a mask. This finding is substantial because wearing a face mask had a negative association with face touching. When wearing a mask, individuals are less likely to be spreading and ingesting viral particles. Therefore, wearing a mask is more effective in preventing the spread of viral particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Niesen
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Ramon
- Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | | | - Ryan Sinclair
- Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA, United States
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Virues-Ortega J, Pérez-Bustamante Pereira A, Martin N, Moeyaert M, Krause PA, Tarifa-Rodriguez A, Trujillo C, Sivaraman M. Reducing face touching through haptic feedback: A treatment evaluation against fomite-mediated self-infection. J Appl Behav Anal 2023. [PMID: 37179496 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Fomite-mediated self-infection via face touching is an understudied transmission pathway for infectious diseases. We evaluated the effect of computer-mediated vibrotactile cues (presented through experimental bracelets located on one or both hands of the participant) on the frequency of face touching among eight healthy adults in the community. We conducted a treatment evaluation totaling over 25,000 min of video observation. The treatment was evaluated through a multiple-treatment design and hierarchical linear modeling. The one-bracelet intervention did not produce significantly lower levels of face touching across both hands, whereas the two-bracelet intervention did result in significantly lower face touching. The effect increased over repeated presentations of the two-bracelet intervention, with the second implementation producing, on average, 31 fewer face-touching percentual points relative to baseline levels. Dependent on the dynamics of fomite-mediated self-infection via face touching, treatment effects could be of public health significance. The implications for research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agustín Pérez-Bustamante Pereira
- School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Neil Martin
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Littleton, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Peter A Krause
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Channel Islands
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Pawlicki Ł, Fotyga A, Rewieński J, Groth M, Kulas Ł, Fotyga G. Wireless Body Area Network for Preventing Self-Inoculation Transmission of Respiratory Viral Diseases. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2042. [PMID: 36850640 PMCID: PMC9959337 DOI: 10.3390/s23042042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes an idea of Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) based on Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) standards to recognize and alarm a gesture of touching the face, and in effect, to prevent self-inoculation of respiratory viral diseases, such as COVID-19 or influenza A, B, or C. The proposed network comprises wireless modules placed in bracelets and a necklace. It relies on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements between the bracelet and necklace modules. The measured signal is cleared of noise using the exponential moving average (EMA). Next, we use a classification algorithm based on a Least-Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) in order to detect facial touches. When the results of the classification indicate that the hand is moving toward the face, an alarm is sent through the neck module and the vibrator embedded in the wrist module is switched on. Based on the performed tests, it can be concluded that the proposed solution is characterized by high accuracy and reliability. It should be useful, especially for individuals who are regularly exposed to the risk of respiratory infections.
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8
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Joshi A, Jiang Y, Jones P. Does wearing a surgical mask influence face touching by healthcare workers? A retrospective cohort study. Emerg Med Australas 2023; 35:120-125. [PMID: 36117397 PMCID: PMC10087437 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCW) in our ED were advised against and actively discouraged from wearing masks when not seeing respiratory patients, as mask wearing was thought to increase the risk of droplet transmission by face touching. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether HCW using face masks were more or less likely to touch their faces than those not wearing masks. METHODS We analysed six randomly selected hours of closed circuit television footage from our staff base. Face touches were recorded electronically by trained researchers. Generalised linear mixed models were used to compare the frequency and duration of face touches with and without face masks, controlling for individual clusters, adjusting for time of footage, duration on screen and staff role. RESULTS Data were collected from 187 HCW. Masks were worn in 231 (36%) of 642 screen sessions. Wearing a mask did not significantly change the odds of face touching (odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-1.01, P = 0.055) or duration of face touch (mean difference -1.45 s, 95% CI -8.84, 5.99, P = 0.71). For mucosal areas, a significant reduction in the odds of face touching was observed for mask wearers (odds ratio 0.21, 95% CI 0.11-0.43, P < 0.001) and on the frequency of mucosal touches (rate ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.69, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Mask wearing did not change face touching or the duration of face touches. However, significantly fewer mucosal touches were observed when wearing a mask, which may help to reduce nosocomial droplet transmission of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Joshi
- Adult Emergency DepartmentAuckland City Hospital, Auckland District Health BoardAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Yannan Jiang
- Department of StatisticsThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Peter Jones
- Adult Emergency DepartmentAuckland City Hospital, Auckland District Health BoardAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of SurgeryThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
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Davies R, Mowbray F, Martin AF, Smith LE, Rubin GJ. A systematic review of observational methods used to quantify personal protective behaviours among members of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the concordance between observational and self-report measures in infectious disease health protection. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1436. [PMID: 35902818 PMCID: PMC9330943 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13819-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the quantity and quality of studies using an observational measure of behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to narratively describe the association between self-report and observational data for behaviours relevant to controlling an infectious disease outbreak. DESIGN Systematic review and narrative synthesis of observational studies. DATA SOURCES We searched Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Publons, Scopus and the UK Health Security Agency behavioural science LitRep database from inception to 17th September 2021 for relevant studies. STUDY SELECTION We included studies which collected observational data of at least one of three health protective behaviours (hand hygiene, face covering use and maintaining physical distance from others ('social distancing') during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies where observational data were compared to self-report data in relation to any infectious disease were also included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We evaluated the quality of studies using the NIH quality assessment scale for observational studies, extracted data on sample size, setting and adherence to health protective behaviours, and synthesized results narratively. RESULTS Of 27,279 published papers on COVID-19 relevant health protective behaviours that included one or more terms relating to hand hygiene, face covering and social distancing, we identified 48 studies that included an objective observational measure. Of these, 35 assessed face covering use, 17 assessed hand hygiene behaviour and seven assessed physical distancing. The general quality of these studies was good. When expanding the search to all infectious diseases, we included 21 studies that compared observational versus self-report data. These almost exclusively studied hand hygiene. The difference in outcomes was striking, with self-report over-estimating observed adherence by up to a factor of five in some settings. In only four papers did self-report match observational data in any domains. CONCLUSIONS Despite their importance in controlling the pandemic, we found remarkably few studies assessing protective behaviours by observation, rather than self-report, though these studies tended to be of reasonably good quality. Observed adherence tends to be substantially lower than estimates obtained via self-report. Accurate assessment of levels of personal protective behaviour, and evaluation of interventions to increase this, would benefit from the use of observational methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Davies
- National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response at King's College London, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.
| | - Fiona Mowbray
- National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response at King's College London, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Alex F Martin
- National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response at King's College London, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Louise E Smith
- National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response at King's College London, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - G James Rubin
- National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response at King's College London, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
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Liebst LS, Ejbye-Ernst P, de Bruin M, Thomas J, Lindegaard MR. No evidence that mask-wearing in public places elicits risk compensation behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1511. [PMID: 35087100 PMCID: PMC8795403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05270-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Face masks have been widely employed as a personal protective measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns remain that masks create a false sense of security that reduces adherence to other public health measures, including social distancing. This paper tested whether mask-wearing was negatively associated with social distancing compliance. In two studies, we combined video-observational records of public mask-wearing in two Dutch cities with a natural-experimental approach to evaluate the effect of an area-based mask mandate. We found no observational evidence of an association between mask-wearing and social distancing but found a positive link between crowding and social distancing violations. Our natural-experimental analysis showed that an area-based mask mandate did not significantly affect social distancing or crowding levels. Our results alleviate the concern that mask use reduces social distancing compliance or increases crowding levels. On the other hand, crowding reduction may be a viable strategy to mitigate social distancing violations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse S Liebst
- Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- NSCR: Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ejbye-Ernst
- NSCR: Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn de Bruin
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Thomas
- NSCR: Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marie R Lindegaard
- Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- NSCR: Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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11
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Liebst LS, Ejbye-Ernst P, de Bruin M, Thomas J, Lindegaard MR. Face-touching behaviour as a possible correlate of mask-wearing: A video observational study of public place incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1319-1325. [PMID: 33817991 PMCID: PMC8250516 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Most countries in the world have recommended or mandated face masks in some or all public places during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, mask use has been thought to increase people's face-touching frequency and thus risk of self-inoculation. Across two studies, we video-observed the face-touching behaviour of members of the public in Amsterdam and Rotterdam (the Netherlands) during the first wave of the pandemic. Study 1 (n = 383) yielded evidence in favour of the absence of an association between mask-wearing and face-touching (defined as touches of face or mask), and Study 2 (n = 421) replicated this result. Secondary outcome analysis of the two studies-analysed separately and with pooled data sets-evidenced a negative association between mask-wearing and hand contact with the face and its t-zone (i.e. eyes, nose and mouth). In sum, the current findings alleviate the concern that mask-wearing has an adverse face-touching effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse S Liebst
- Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Ejbye-Ernst
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marijn de Bruin
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Corona Behavioural Unit, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Josephine Thomas
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marie R Lindegaard
- Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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