Motivating and inhibitory factors in mask-wearing: Chronic patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

In COVID-19 pandemic mask-wearing has emerged as a critical preventive measure to minimize the risk of virus transmission, particularly for those with underlying health conditions. Chronic patients may face unique challenges related to mask-wearing that can impact their willingness to adhere to reco...

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Main Authors: Parvaneh Aghajari, Mina Hosseinzadeh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214139125000459
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author Parvaneh Aghajari
Mina Hosseinzadeh
author_facet Parvaneh Aghajari
Mina Hosseinzadeh
author_sort Parvaneh Aghajari
collection DOAJ
description In COVID-19 pandemic mask-wearing has emerged as a critical preventive measure to minimize the risk of virus transmission, particularly for those with underlying health conditions. Chronic patients may face unique challenges related to mask-wearing that can impact their willingness to adhere to recommended practices. This study explores the experiences of chronic patients regarding mask usability and adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study utilized a conventional content analysis approach to explore the experiences of chronic patients regarding mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were purposively selected from chronic patients visiting healthcare centers in Maragheh, Iran. A total of 25 individuals with various chronic conditions were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis as described by Graneheim and Lundman was used to analysis the data. Findings led to the emergence of two categories: 1. Incentives for Mask Wearing with these subcategories: new habit formation and sense of security 2.Barriers to mask usage with these subcategories: uncertainty About the Effectiveness of Masks, Perceived invulnerability after vaccination, Ineffective training of caregivers and Challenges of mask usage. This study highlights that while participants acknowledged the importance of masks, barriers such as skepticism about their effectiveness and discomfort hindered adherence. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to address these challenges and promote understanding of mask benefits. A comprehensive approach that combines education, community support, and open communication is essential for empowering chronic patients to protect their health in future public health crises.
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spelling doaj-art-eef83e94b1cf441a930d390bc5c3f6d72025-08-20T02:30:54ZengElsevierInternational Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences2214-13912025-01-012210085810.1016/j.ijans.2025.100858Motivating and inhibitory factors in mask-wearing: Chronic patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemicParvaneh Aghajari0Mina Hosseinzadeh1Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, IranDepartment of Community Health Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Corresponding author.In COVID-19 pandemic mask-wearing has emerged as a critical preventive measure to minimize the risk of virus transmission, particularly for those with underlying health conditions. Chronic patients may face unique challenges related to mask-wearing that can impact their willingness to adhere to recommended practices. This study explores the experiences of chronic patients regarding mask usability and adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study utilized a conventional content analysis approach to explore the experiences of chronic patients regarding mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were purposively selected from chronic patients visiting healthcare centers in Maragheh, Iran. A total of 25 individuals with various chronic conditions were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis as described by Graneheim and Lundman was used to analysis the data. Findings led to the emergence of two categories: 1. Incentives for Mask Wearing with these subcategories: new habit formation and sense of security 2.Barriers to mask usage with these subcategories: uncertainty About the Effectiveness of Masks, Perceived invulnerability after vaccination, Ineffective training of caregivers and Challenges of mask usage. This study highlights that while participants acknowledged the importance of masks, barriers such as skepticism about their effectiveness and discomfort hindered adherence. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to address these challenges and promote understanding of mask benefits. A comprehensive approach that combines education, community support, and open communication is essential for empowering chronic patients to protect their health in future public health crises.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214139125000459MasksCOVID-19Chronic illnessQualitative research
spellingShingle Parvaneh Aghajari
Mina Hosseinzadeh
Motivating and inhibitory factors in mask-wearing: Chronic patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences
Masks
COVID-19
Chronic illness
Qualitative research
title Motivating and inhibitory factors in mask-wearing: Chronic patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
title_full Motivating and inhibitory factors in mask-wearing: Chronic patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
title_fullStr Motivating and inhibitory factors in mask-wearing: Chronic patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
title_full_unstemmed Motivating and inhibitory factors in mask-wearing: Chronic patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
title_short Motivating and inhibitory factors in mask-wearing: Chronic patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
title_sort motivating and inhibitory factors in mask wearing chronic patients experiences during the covid 19 pandemic
topic Masks
COVID-19
Chronic illness
Qualitative research
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214139125000459
work_keys_str_mv AT parvanehaghajari motivatingandinhibitoryfactorsinmaskwearingchronicpatientsexperiencesduringthecovid19pandemic
AT minahosseinzadeh motivatingandinhibitoryfactorsinmaskwearingchronicpatientsexperiencesduringthecovid19pandemic