[MASKS - PROTECTION OR DANGER? ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE ORDER TO COVER MOUTH AND NOSE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC [ARTICLE IN POLISH]].

Objective: Introduction: Current information suggests the existence of two main transmission routes for SARS-CoV-2. This is the drip trajectory and contact transmission. The order to cover the mouth and nose in the public space has been introduced as one of the preventive measures to limit the spread of some virus-induced respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Both medical and non-medical masks have become the most popular tool. Is there any evidence of their effectiveness? What can be the disadvantages of using them? The aim: To analyze social behaviour towards the order to cover the nose and mouth during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and to confront them with the results of research on the effectiveness of medical and non-medical masks.

Patients And Methods: Material and methods: The study involved a group of 2512 respondents from all over Poland. The research tool was an original questionnaire containing 24 questions.

Results: Results: 76.1% of the respondents declare that they always obey the current order. 83% use a material mask and 26.9% wear a surgical mask. 35.2% of respondents think that the order to cover their nose and mouth is not justified.

Conclusion: Conclusions: The authors confronted the results of the questionnaire with the scientific research mentioned above. There is limited evidence to resolve the question - "Masks - protection or danger?" However, it is worth noting the small harmfulness and indirect evidence of benefits, which together have precedence over the lack of clear arguments supporting the use of masks by Polish society in times of epidemics.