Investigation of the cognition and attitude of the public towards the disposal of discarded face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract Background: Public perception of the disposal of discarded face masks during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the cognition level and attitude of the public towards the disposal of discarded face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide a reference for a standardized disposal of discarded face masks.Methods: The convenience sampling method was applied to conduct a questionnaire survey, assessing personal general information, as well as the management status of, attitudes towards and cognition of the disposal of discarded face masks.Results: A total of 910 valid questionnaires were collected. The results showed that 47% of individuals had a low level of relevant knowledge about the disposal of discarded face masks, but more than 95% showed a positive attitude towards the cooperation with it. In addition, the participants had limited understanding of related regulations, and expected that the relevant departments should increase publicity and training to propagate the related information.Conclusions: This study demonstrated variations in public cognition level and attitude towards the disposal of discarded face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, relevant departments should further clarify the refuse classification of and management regulations for discarded face masks, increase publicity, guide the public to correctly dispose of discarded face masks and enforce supervision, to prevent viral spread and secondary environmental contamination incidents, and to ensure public health and ecological environment safety.