Researchers find correlation between consistent mask use and improved well-being

Since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), universal masking has been implemented in many countries.

The use of face masks or covers can help to reduce the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2, as it prevents the entry of infectious respiratory droplets. At the same time, it prevents droplets from reaching people when the infected person sneezes, coughs, talks or breathes.

A team of researchers at the University of Edinburgh, UK, found that using facial coverage promotes mental health. Those who used facial covers or masks most often had better mental health and well-being than those who did not.

The study, published in prepress medRxiv * server, interviewed more than 11,000 participants across the UK.

Covering the face

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of a face mask as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide adequate protection, but it is effective in conjunction with other infection control measures.

The health agency also recommends that people wear a mask if they are around other people. When using the mask correctly, it should cover the nose, mouth and chin.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States urges the public to use facial cloth coverings. Surgical and medical masks are intended for healthcare professionals. This avoids depleting the supply of this medical equipment, which is essential for protecting frontline workers.

The study

The team conducted longitudinal analyzes in the UK. To reach the study’s conclusions, they recruited participants who completed CovidLife surveys. Data were collected through the Qualtrics platform between April and June 2020. Participants’ mental health outcomes were assessed.

The researchers revealed that adherence to facial coverage guidelines was not associated with mental health problems. The team found that people who always wore masks had better mental health than people who didn’t.

Therefore, the study shows that wearing facial covers or masks more often will not have a negative impact on mental health.

The results of the study revealed that the chances of feeling anxious were 58% lower among those who always wore their masks. The likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms was 25% lower among people who wore their masks most of the time. Finally, the chance of feeling lonely was 67% lower among those who always wore the mask.

“In fact, the opposite seems to be the case: stronger adherence to the guidelines is associated with less anxiety and loneliness and greater satisfaction with life and well-being,” wrote the researchers in the article.

The results of the study are consensual with previous studies that found that non-compliance with the rule of wearing face masks can be viewed negatively by other people. It reveals the other side of adherence behavior, even though the stigmatization or discomfort of wearing masks does or does not harm mental health and well-being.

However, the team emphasized that wearing face masks alone is insufficient to prevent infection with SARS-Cov-2. Adhering to infection control measures, such as washing your hands regularly, maintaining social distance and avoiding crowded places are crucial factors that must be applied alongside facial coverings.

“Our data provide strong evidence that following government guidelines on facial coverage is associated with better than worse mental health and well-being,” concluded the team.

“This evidence can be an important motivator for continued advocacy by policymakers and public adherence,” they added.

* Important news

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and therefore should not be considered conclusive, guide clinical practice / health-related behavior or treated as established information.