BACKGROUND: Although the global COVID-19 mortality rate is decreasing, COVID-19 remains an infectious disease with a high mortality rate, especially in older adults and individuals with comorbidities. In Japan, mask-wearing has been left to individual discretion since March 13, 2023, but remains a key protective measure. This study aimed to identify factors influencing individual mask-wearing behavior in post COVID-19 era, with a focus on risk factors for severe COVID-19. METHODS: Data from 33,000 participants, obtained from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey 2023, were used, which was conducted from September 25 to November 17, 2023. Participants were randomly selected from approximately 2.2 million panelists from a nationwide Japanese Internet research company, with sampling adjusted by age, sex, and living area to match the population distribution in Japan. The association between wearing a mask and risk factors for severe COVID-19 (age, sex, smoking, COVID-19 vaccination, history of COVID-19, body mass index (BMI), and comorbid conditions) was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In total, 28,481 individuals were included, of whom 18,371 (64.5%) answered that they wore masks. After adjusting for confounders, older age (adjusted relative risk [RR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-1.55 for "75-83" years), no history of COVID-19 (adjusted RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.08), low BMI (adjusted RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07), and increased number of comorbid conditions (adjusted RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.18 for three or more) were significant positive factors for wearing a mask. In contrast, men (adjusted RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87-0.90), no COVID-19 vaccination (adjusted RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.76-0.81), and current smoking history (adjusted RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99) were significant negative factors. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that mask-wearing behavior differed based on individual risk factors for severe COVID-19, with some risk factors negatively influencing mask use in Japan. It may be necessary to recommend mask-wearing for these individuals, especially during situations such as COVID-19 epidemic season or the onset of epidemics, considering individual mask-wearing behavior.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; COVID-19/psychology* ; Japan/epidemiology* ; Masks/statistics & numerical data* ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

INTRODUCTION: Widespread mask use is an important intervention for control of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. However, data on the factors affecting mask use are lacking. In this observational study, we evaluated the proportion of and factors influencing face mask use and related hygiene practices. METHODS: We observed randomly selected members from the public in 367 venues across Singapore, and recorded the proportion of individuals with full compliance with mask use and mask hygiene (hand hygiene before and after touching the mask or face). Logistic regression analyses were used to determine variables associated with mask and hand hygiene compliance. RESULTS: We made 3,821 observations - 2,149 (56.2%) females, 3,569 (93.4%) adults (≥21 years), 212 (5.5%) children (6-20 years) and 40 (1.0%) children (2-5 years). The overall full compliance rate (correct mask use), poor compliance rate (incorrect mask use) and absent mask use were 84.5%, 12.9% and 2.6%, respectively. The factors - male gender, fabric mask usage and crowded indoor venues - were associated with lower mask compliance. Face or mask touching behaviour was observed in 10.7% and 13.7% of individuals observed, respectively. Only one individual performed hand hygiene before and after touching the mask. CONCLUSION The rate of mask compliance was high, probably due to legislation mandating mask usage. However, specific factors and crowded indoor venues associated with lower mask compliance were identified. We also noted an issue with the absence of hand hygiene before and after face or mask touching. These issues may benefit from targeted public health messaging.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Singapore ; Masks ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Child ; Adolescent ; Hand Hygiene ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Young Adult ; Child, Preschool ; Pandemics/prevention & control* ; Middle Aged ; Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data*

OBJECTIVETo investigate oxidative DNA damage in pharmacy technicians preparing antineoplastic drugs at the PIVAS (Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Service) in two Chinese hospitals.

METHODSUrinary 8-OHdG served as a biomarker. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) concentrations in air, masks and gloves were determined. The spill exposure of each PIVAS technician to antineoplastic drugs was investigated. Eighty subjects were divided into exposed group I, II, and control group I, II.

RESULTS5-FU concentration ratios for gloves and masks in exposed group I were significantly higher than those in exposed group II (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The average urinary 8-OHdG concentrations in exposed group I, control group I, exposed group II, and control group II were 14.69±0.93, 10.68±1.07, 10.57±0.55, and 11.96±0.73 ng/mg Cr, respectively. Urinary 8-OHdG concentration in exposed group I was significantly higher than that in control group I or that in exposed group II (P<0.01). There was a significant correlation between urinary 8-OHdG concentrations and spill frequencies per technician (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThere was detectable oxidative DNA damage in PIVAS technicians exposed to antineoplastic drugs. This oxidative DNA damage may be associated with their spill exposure experience and contamination of their personal protective equipment.

Adult ; Air ; analysis ; Antineoplastic Agents ; analysis ; toxicity ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; DNA Damage ; Deoxyguanosine ; analogs & derivatives ; urine ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; analysis ; toxicity ; Gloves, Protective ; Health Personnel ; statistics & numerical data ; Hospitals ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Masks ; Occupational Exposure ; statistics & numerical data ; Oxidative Stress ; Young Adult