The Effectiveness of Free Face Mask Distribution on Use of Face Masks. A Cluster Randomised Trial in Stovner District of Oslo, Norway

Atle Fretheim, Ingeborg Hess Elgersma, Fredrik Aaeng Kristiansen, Caroline Rømming Varmbo, Miriam Kristine Salame Olsbø, Iselin Havstein Strand Glover and Martin Flatø
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Atle Fretheim: Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
Ingeborg Hess Elgersma: Health Services Division, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
Fredrik Aaeng Kristiansen: Research Administrative Support, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
Caroline Rømming Varmbo: Stovner District-Administration, 0985 Oslo, Norway
Miriam Kristine Salame Olsbø: Stovner District-Administration, 0985 Oslo, Norway
Iselin Havstein Strand Glover: Stovner District-Administration, 0985 Oslo, Norway
Martin Flatø: Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-11

Abstract: Face masks are recommended as a means of reducing the spread of COVID-19, but there are practically no studies of interventions to increase face mask use. Over three weeks, nine grocery stores in the Stovner District of Oslo were randomly selected each day to have distribution of free face masks outside their entrance. Free face mask distribution increased the proportion of customers wearing a mask by 6.0 percentage points (adjusted, 95% CI 3.5–8.5). Mean mask usage was 91.7% in the control group and 97.1% in the treatment group (pooled SD 5.3%). Practically all those who wore masks had both nose and mouth covered. We conclude that free distribution of face masks increased their use. Similar trials can be conducted within a short period of time.

Keywords: face masks; COVID-19; infection control (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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