Abstract
Introduction: Public behaviour involving the wearing of face masks are influenced by a host of interdependent demographic, economic, and educational factors, therefore, mask-wearing behaviours among the public vary not only in different countries but also from region to region within a country.
Aim: To assess mask-wearing behaviours among the public in Saudi Arabia during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the general public of Saudi Arabia who could communicate in Arabic, from 9' . August 2021 to 12 October 2021, after approval from Taif University. To collect as many respondents as possible, convenience sampling was used. A social media platform was used for the data collection. Descriptive statistics and a logistical regression model were employed for data analysis.
Results: A total of 481 participants consented to take part in the current research, with 56.8% being male and 43.2% being female. Most individuals showed poor compliance (67.6%). Female participants, participants who had graduate degree, and people who worked in a confined environment, including a hospital, restaurant or similar place, reported better compliance with the use of a face mask (chi(2 )=13.29; p-value< 0.001), (chi(2) = 8.26; p-value= 0.041), and (chi(2) =16.84; p-value <0.010), respectively. Regression analysis defined three characteristics linked with good compliance ie., sex, level of education and present work/ living situation.
Conclusion: Most people did not comply with public behaviour concerning the use of face masks. Female participants were more likely to wear a face mask.