Researchers find a correlation between consistent mask wearing and improved well-being

Since the onset 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.

Wearing face masks or covers may help reduce the risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2, as it prevents the entry of infectious respiratory drops. At the same time, it prevents drops from reaching people when they infect sneezing, coughing, talking or breathing.

A team of researchers at the University of Edinburgh, UK, found that wearing face masks promotes mental health. Those who wore face coverings or masks often had better mental health and well-being than those who did not.

The study, published in pre-print medRxiv * server, surveyed over 11,000 participants in the UK.

Face covering

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

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

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging the public to wear cloth-covered face shields. Surgical and medical masks are intended for health care workers. This is to avoid depleting the supply of this medical equipment, which is crucial in protecting frontline workers.

The study

The team performed longitudinal analyzes in the UK. To reach the conclusions of the study, they recruited participants who completed the 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 face-to-face guidelines had nothing to do with poorer mental health. The team found that people who always wore masks had better mental health than those who did not.

Therefore, the study shows that wearing multiple faces or masks 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 masks. The likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms was 25% lower among people who wore masks most of the time. In the end, the chances of feeling alone were 67% lower among those who always wore masks.

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

The results of the study agree with previous studies that found that non-compliance with the rule of wearing face masks can be seen negatively by others. It reveals the other side of adherence behavior, whether or not the stigma or discomfort of wearing masks harms mental health and well-being.

However, the team pointed out that wearing face masks alone is insufficient in preventing SARS-Cov-2 infection. Adherence to infection control measures, such as regular hand washing, maintaining social distance and avoiding crowded places are key factors that should be applied alongside face coverings.

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

“This evidence could be an important reason for the continued support of decision-makers and the adherence of members of the public,” they added.

*Important Note

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