Socioeconomic correlates of face mask use among pedestrians during the COVID-19 pandemic: An ecological study

Outdoor social distancing behaviors changed during a pandemic: A longitudinal analysis using street view imagery

Social distancing, defined as maintaining a minimum interpersonal distance (often 6 ft or 1.83 m), is a non-pharmaceutical intervention to reduce infectious disease transmission. While numerous quantitative studies have examined people's social distancing behaviors using mobile phone data, large-scale quantitative analyses of adherence to suggested minimum interpersonal distances are lacking. We analyzed pedestrians' social distancing behaviors of using 3 years of street view imagery collected in a metropolitan city (Seattle, WA, USA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We employed computer vision techniques to locate pedestrians in images, and a geometry-based algorithm to estimate physical distance between them. Our results indicate that social distancing behaviors correlated with key factors such as vaccine availability, seasonality, and local socioeconomic data. We also identified behavioral differences at various points of interest within the city (e.g., parks, schools, faith-based organizations, museums). This work represents a first of its kind longitudinal study of outdoor social distancing behaviors using computer vision. Our findings provide key insights for policymakers to understand and mitigate infectious disease transmission risks in outdoor environments.

Association Between County-Level Social Vulnerability and Vaccine-Related Attitudes and Hesitancy Toward COVID-19 Vaccination in the United States

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Understanding attitudes and behaviors related to vaccination is critical for enhancing COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and reducing disparities in vaccination coverage. This study examines disparities in vaccine-related attitudes and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States in relation to community-level social vulnerability.

METHODS

This study analyzed cross-sectional national surveys conducted repeatedly between July 2020 and August 2021 (n = 6716). We assessed the association between county-level social vulnerability and general vaccine-related attitudes, as well as COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We developed Poisson models with robust variance estimation. The analysis also included the association of county social vulnerability with parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

RESULTS

Living in counties with high Socioeconomic Status vulnerability was associated with less vaccine support (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) 1.10; 95% CI 1.05-1.14) and residing in counties with high Household Characteristics vulnerability was associated with higher likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (aPR 1.13; 95% CI 1.07-1.20). In contrast, high vulnerability in the Racial and Ethnic Minority was associated with more positive attitudes toward vaccines (aPR 0.91; 95% CI 0.88-0.94) and lower COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for both themselves (aPR 0.81; 95% CI 0.76-0.87) and children (aPR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75-0.94), after adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the importance of addressing vulnerabilities related to socioeconomic status and household characteristics to reduce disparities in vaccine perceptions and hesitancy in socially vulnerable populations. The findings provide evidence for targeted public health interventions at the community level. They also demonstrate that the relationship between social vulnerability and vaccine attitudes varies across different vulnerability components.

Effectiveness of Face Mask for Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infection during Hajj: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Hajj is an annual mass gathering of people in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Respiratory infections are common due to their potential for rapid spread in crowded settings. There is a lack of data regarding the effectiveness of face masks in preventing respiratory tract infections (RTIs), specifically during Hajj. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until July 3, 2023 for studies comparing the incidence or prevalence of RTIs in those who used any face mask during Hajj compared with no mask. Risk ratio (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated using either a fixed or random-effect model, depending on the heterogeneity. A comprehensive analysis encompassed 10 studies involving 5007 participants. The overall RR favored wearing masks over not wearing masks regarding the incidence of RTIs; however, the difference was not statistically significant (RR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.55-1.10; P = 0.16). A significantly lower incidence of RTIs was found in those wearing masks most of the time versus intermittently (RR = 0.59; 95% CI = [0.38-0.94; P = 0.02). In subgroup analyses, there was no difference between wearing masks and not wearing masks across different study designs (cohort/case-control), different groups (pilgrims/healthcare workers), and different years of Hajj, except from 2000 to 2008, when there was a significant difference favoring wearing face masks. This meta-analysis found wearing masks most of the time was associated with significantly lower risk of RTIs than wearing it intermittently.

Exploring the need for surgical face masks in operating room: a comprehensive literature review

Surgical face masks (SFM) are pivotal in preventing surgical site infections (SSI) in the operating room (OR). However, there are currently no specific recommendations for their most effective use. SFM effectiveness is influenced by factors such as material, fit, and duration of use, sparking ongoing debates about their benefits and risks in surgery. SFMs act as a protective barrier, but their ability to filter out harmful compounds is questioned. They can also impact communication and create a false sense of security. Nevertheless, SFMs aid in infection prevention and provide psychological comfort. Clear guidelines are needed to ensure their appropriate use in the OR. This paper offers a historical overview of surgical masks, emphasizing their role in infection prevention. It explores SFM effectiveness for both the surgical team and patients during surgery and considers their future in surgical settings. As we navigate the evolving landscape of SFMs, clear and concise guidelines are imperative to ensure their judicious and effective use in the OR. This paper serves as an essential resource for understanding the historical significance, contemporary efficacy, and prospective trajectory of SFMs in surgical practice.

Affectation of COVID-19 pandemic on the use and abundance of wild resources in Tabasco, Mexico: A qualitative assessment

Southern Mexico is particularly rich in natural resources, yet unemployment has risen to 8% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of the pandemic on the use and abundance of Tabasco's wild resources was examined through personal surveys. By using Microsoft Forms® with cell phones 1,963 surveys were collected. Cronbach's alpha, Z-value, and chi2 were calculated using the MAXQDA Analytics Pro program. A higher abundance of wild resources before the pandemic than today (57% vs. 11%) was observed. During the pandemic, people referred more to a high use (28%) of resources than to a low use (20%). This caused the low abundance or scarcity of wild products to be greater during the pandemic than before the pandemic (43% vs. 4%). Wild foods and timber were the most used products. The pandemic has produced a greater use of natural resources probably due to the high unemployment rate in rural areas. Future studies of wild products should address the relevant products in the locality and their even sampling. Finding suitable respondents is highly recommended.