Background

To limit the spread of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the World Health Organization recommends the use of face mask as a part of the pandemic control strategy. It has published also “best practices” in which it advises to avoid touching the mask while wearing it. This might be challenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of mask-touching behavior in public transportation.

Methods

Observational study using data collected in real life. This survey was conducted in subways and local trains of the greater Paris region, France, between May 4th and 25th, 2020. Public Transportation users were covertly observed. Demographic characteristics, type of mask and the main activity were collected by the investigator. The duration of observation, the frequency of touching face mask, hair and the uncovered area of the face were also recorded. Frequency of mask-touching per hour was determined.

Results

One hundred eighty two persons were observed. The median of estimated age [1st and 3rd interquartile] was 35 [30;45] years and 87 (48%) were women. One hundred forty three (79%) were wearing surgical mask. The median time of observation was 8 [4;12] minutes. During this period, 87 (48%) persons touched their mask 15 [7.5;30] times per hour of whom only two (8%) have used hydroalcoholic solution to disinfect their hands.

Conclusions

Mask touching is frequent and is rarely followed by hand disinfection. Actions regarding mask use should be taken to improve compliance.

中文翻译：

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COVID-19 大流行期间的口罩接触行为：大巴黎地区公共交通用户的观察性研究：法国口罩接触研究

背景

为限制 2019 年新型冠状病毒病 (COVID-19) 的传播，世界卫生组织建议使用口罩作为大流行控制策略的一部分。它还发布了“最佳实践”，建议在佩戴时避免接触口罩。这可能具有挑战性。本研究的目的是调查公共交通中口罩触摸行为的频率。

方法

使用在现实生活中收集的数据进行观察性研究。这项调查于 2020 年 5 月 4 日至 25 日在法国大巴黎地区的地铁和地方列车中进行。公共交通用户被秘密观察。调查人员收集了人口统计学特征、口罩类型和主要活动。还记录了观察的持续时间、触摸口罩、头发的频率和面部未覆盖的区域。确定每小时的口罩接触频率。

结果

观察到一百八十二人。估计年龄 [第 1 和第 3 个四分位数] 的中位数为 35 [30;45] 岁，其中 87 (48%) 为女性。一百四十三 (79%) 人戴着外科口罩。中位观察时间为 8 [4;12] 分钟。在此期间，87 (48%) 人每小时接触口罩 15 [7.5;30] 次，其中只有两人 (8%) 使用水醇溶液消毒双手。

结论

经常接触口罩，很少进行手部消毒。应采取有关使用口罩的措施来提高合规性。