Practice and technique of using a protective mask in older adults

Objective. To assess the practice and technique of using a protective mask (surgical mask) in older adults. Methods: A convenience sample of 287 older adults aged >65 years were recruited between January and February 2017 when there was no respiratory epidemic. Their practice and technique of using a mask were assessed using a questionnaire and an observational checklist, respectively. Results: Older adults' practice and technique of using a mask were unsatisfactory. 30.1% and 26.9% indicated that they never wear a mask when taking care of family members with fever and respiratory infection, respectively. None could correctly perform all 12 steps in wearing and taking off a mask. 92.3%, 96.6%, and 93.7% did not perform hand hygiene before wearing and taking off the mask and after disposing of the mask, respectively. Conclusion: Compliance of older adults with wearing masks during a non-epidemic period was low. The commonly omitted steps of wearing and taking off a mask were related to hand hygiene. We recommend using the knowledge-attitude-practice model to rectify misconceptions and strengthen awareness on the use of masks in the required situations and on commonly omitted or incorrectly performed techniques.