Masking Behaviors in the Absence of Local Mandate—An Observational Study from Hillsborough County, Florida

Jessica Pecoraro (), Chighaf Bakour, Alison Oberne and Amber Mehmood
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Jessica Pecoraro: College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
Chighaf Bakour: College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
Alison Oberne: College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
Amber Mehmood: College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-11

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand the predictors of masking—especially age, race/ethnicity and gender—in Hillsborough County Florida, a region without mask mandates. Masking and social distancing behaviors of individuals were observed in Hillsborough County during one-week intervals in July 2021, August 2021 and Late September—early October 2021. Demographic and behavioral observations were recorded and logistic regression was utilized to determine the odds ratio of wearing a mask amongst various groups. Overall, masking ranged from 36.80% to 48.64%, peaking during the second observation period. Masking rates were highest amongst people of color, women and seniors. Establishments posting mask-negative language, such as “masks NOT required,” saw a 46% decrease in the odds of masking compared to establishments without mask-related signage (thereby defaulting to no mandate). Understanding who engaged in masking and social distancing behaviors will provide local public health officials with a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of previously used strategies, which can be leveraged in future surges of COVID-19 and other emergencies to create maximum impact. Lessons learned regarding policy implementation and understanding patterns of uptake of health guidelines are important for the continuous improvement of public health practice.

Keywords: COVID-19; prevention; mask; social distancing; masking; policy; mandates; communication; disparities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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