Face Mask Use and Associated Factors Among Students: Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• COVID-19 significantly impacted global populations, including students, due to high infection rates.
• Understanding student adherence to preventive measures is crucial for controlling disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of mask usage among students.
• To identify factors associated with mask use in a student population.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was conducted in Southwest Ethiopia.
• Stratified random sampling recruited 379 students; data collected via surveys and analyzed using logistic regression.
• Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and triangulated with quantitative findings.

Main Results:

• The overall mask use prevalence was 87% among the 379 student participants.
• Higher odds of mask use were associated with being female, younger age, and specific beliefs about COVID-19.
• Factors such as proper handwashing, staying home, and disinfecting areas showed inverse associations with mask use.

Conclusions:

• Mask use among students in Ethiopia was moderate, with significant associations found with demographic and belief-based factors.
• Interventions should target specific student groups and address misconceptions about COVID-19.
• Educational institutions must actively promote mask use and enforce COVID-19 prevention policies.