Post COVID-19: Analysis of Reasons for Mask Wearing Intention

Wearing face masks were very much mandated during the pandemic peak period, and slowly the usage is getting reduced. Today, very few are using the face masks regularly, not only for COVID fear but also for some other reasons. This study is aimed to assess the reasons for mask-wearing intention even after COVID fear is reduced. In this study, a total of 653 mask wearers were interviewed about their continuous usage of masks even after the COVID pandemic was over. Out of 653 individuals wearing masks, 216 were males and 437 were females. While analyzing the age groups, predominantly 26 to 35 wear masks (36.7%), followed by 36 to 45 (19.4%) and 15 to 25 (17.3%). College-going students (9.5%) and health care professionals (9.5%) wear masks the most followed by college teachers (8.6%) and school teachers (8%). The mask types are varied among the users, with the majority using cotton masks (57%), followed by medical masks (36%). There are a variety of reasons given for wearing a mask even after COVID fear is over, including preventing pre-symptomatic spread, reducing direct transmission, good hygiene in general, public transportation like buses and trains, mask addiction, being free from dust, style, not showing identity, etc. Overall, we provide the novel findings of varied reasons for wearing face masks with the intention of health, hygiene, addiction, and other mask attractiveness beliefs. From this study, it is advised to wear a face mask in public settings when social distancing is difficult to maintain.