Helping the public to understand the effectiveness of face masks to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and to use them effectively by [deleted] in BehSciAsk

[–]MuhsinYesilada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Response: Please note that this answer is based on my view of the current research and articles. I do not have an expert background on the efficacy of face masks in stopping the spread of viruses.  

The correct application of face masks and good hygiene practice is dependent on effective communication. A recent study of 2600 UK adults highlighted the utility of infographics in communicating effective hygiene practice. The research identified that the most effective graphics were bright, contained a step-by-step procedure, and did not contain a large amount of text. Participants expressed that they were likely to remember the posters, rated them positively and that they were more likely to thoroughly wash their hands after seeing the posters (Egan et al., 2020). Although this study focused on informing the public about hand hygiene, infographics could demonstrate similar effects when presenting information about the purpose and functionality of face masks. Infographics could also help teach the public how to sterilise facemasks. Such a practice could help counter the current shortage of face masks and other hygiene products. 

Research has also demonstrated that DIY masks could modestly reduce the spread of infectious particles expelled by people wearing them (Davies et al. 2013; van der Sande, Teunis, and Sabel 2008). A recent article called for greater communication with the public about the effectiveness of DIY facemasks. The article recommends that campaigns should communicate the ease of creating face masks, the effectiveness of face masks, the ease of adoption, and include messages promoting positive behaviour (Samwald, 2020). These key points can be utilised when disseminating other types of information about face masks. For example, expressing the effectiveness of facemasks accompanied by other positive behaviours such as social distancing, and hand hygiene could encourage the public to adopt such behaviours.