Mask wearing hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic in south Iran

Purpose The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of face mask wearing among different groups of people in south Iran. We also investigated the associations between mask wearing hesitancy and various factors. Methods We surveyed a sample (convenience sampling) of five groups of people: general population, people with epilepsy, people with diabetes mellitus, people with cardiac problems, and people with psychiatric problems. The survey included four general questions [age, sex, education, and medical/psychiatric problem] and four COVID-19 specific questions [contracting COVID-19, relatives with COVID-19, wearing a face mask while in crowded places, and the frequency of daily hand washings]. Results 582 people (153 people with epilepsy, 127 patients with diabetes mellitus, 98 people with cardiac problems, 96 patients with psychiatric disorders, and 108 healthy individuals) participated. 28 (4.8%) people expressed that they do not wear a face mask when at crowded places. A lower education and less frequent daily hand washings had associations with mask wearing hesitancy. Conclusion Mask wearing hesitancy is a concern during a respiratory viral disease pandemic. Paying attention to personal variables, especially if they are modifiable (e.g., education and hygiene), is probably productive and practical in promoting mask wearing culture.