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Face mask mandates and risk compensation: an analysis of mobility data during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.
Wadud, Zia; Rahman, Sheikh Mokhlesur; Enam, Annesha.
  • Wadud Z; Institute for Transport Studies & School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK Z.Wadud@leeds.ac.uk.
  • Rahman SM; Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Enam A; Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
BMJ Glob Health ; 7(1)2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1612992
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Concerns have been raised about the potential for risk compensation in the context of mask mandates for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. However, the debate about the presence or absence of risk compensation for universal mandatory mask-wearing rules-especially in the context of COVID-19-is not settled yet.

METHODS:

Mobility is used as a proxy for risky behaviour before and after the mask mandates. Two sets of regressions are estimated to decipher (any) risk-compensating effect of mask mandate in Bangladesh. These include (1) intervention regression analysis of daily activities at six types of locations, using pre-mask-mandate and post-mandate data; and (2) multiple regression analysis of daily new COVID-19 cases on daily mobility (lagged) to establish mobility as a valid proxy.

RESULTS:

(1) Statistically, mobility increased at all five non-residential locations, while home stays decreased after the mask mandate was issued; (2) daily mobility had a statistically significant association on daily new cases (with around 10 days of lag). Both significances were calculated at 95% confidence level.

CONCLUSION:

Community mobility had increased (and stay at home decreased) after the mandatory mask-wearing rule, and given mobility is associated with increases in new COVID-19 cases, there is evidence of risk compensation effect of the mask mandate-at least partially-in Bangladesh.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 / Masks Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bmjgh-2021-006803

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 / Masks Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bmjgh-2021-006803