Study title

The survey studied protective behaviour during the coronavirus epidemic in Finland. The survey investigated the protective measures (e.g. minimising contact with others, using face masks, vaccination) the respondents took in everyday life to protect themselves from COVID-19, as well as their attitudes towards the protective measures. The first set of questions focused on minimising contacts. The respondents were asked how much contact they had had in the last 7 days with people who were not part of their own household and whether the respondent was currently in quarantine. The use of face masks during leisure time was surveyed by asking how often the respondents had worn face masks indoors when in the company of individuals who were not part of their own household during the last 7 days. The type of face masks used (e.g. fabric face mask, disposable face mask, certified face mask such as a surgical face mask) and whether the respondents reused disposable face masks were examined. The respondents were also asked whether they intended to use face masks in the next 7 days when visiting shops, cafes, restaurants, meeting non-household members indoors, taking part in indoor sports activities, and using public transportation. Additionally, the survey charted whether face mask use had become automatic for respondents in public spaces and whether they would continue to use face masks during flu seasons once the use of masks was no longer recommended to combat the coronavirus epidemic. Next, the respondents were surveyed on how wearing a face mask during their leisure time had affected them. The respondents were, for example, asked whether they felt that wearing a mask affected their risk of contracting COVID-19 and their sense of community. They were also asked whether wearing the mask affected their ability to take in oxygen, whether wearing a mask felt uncomfortable or distressing, and whether it increased their sense of responsibility or security. Norms regarding mask...