Face Mask-Wearing Behaviour Among Young Adults During and After the COVID-19 Epidemic in China

Chinese public attitudes towards face mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated through two online surveys (2020 and 2024). There was a high level of compliance with masking policies, with 66.7% of respondents believing masks were very important in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The percentage of respondents who said they intended to continue regular mask usage post-pandemic decreased significantly from 49.2% in 2020 at the beginning of the epidemic to 35.1% in 2024. Discomfort and breathing restrictions were the primary barriers to mask usage. Fear levels were higher among mask owners (82.6%) than non-owners (67.1%). Non-surgical disposable masks were the most commonly used, avoiding competition with health care needs. The findings demonstrate strong public acceptance of masking as a preventive measure and provide valuable insights for future respiratory disease response strategies.