Face mask wearers were found to be up to a staggering 40 percent more likely to report a COVID-19 infection compared to those who refuse to wear them, according to a recent peer-reviewed Norwegian study published in the Epidemiology and Infection Journal earlier this month.
The results, collected after surveying 3,209 Norwegians, indicated a higher incidence of positive test results among regular mask users, with a 33 percent to 40 percent increase, as compared to non or seldom-mask users.
“Our findings suggest that wearing a face mask may be associated with an increased risk of infection,” the researchers concluded. They did add, however, that “it is important to note that this association may be due to unobservable and non-adjustable differences between those wearing and not wearing a mask.”
The research team referred to the results as contradictory to earlier research indicating mask use as an effective preventive measure against COVID-19. Potential biases such as behavioral differences and self-reporting, along with the possibility of mask wearers not adhering to social distancing regulations, are among the factors noted for the unexpected results.
In North America, the study comes amidst a resurgence of mask mandates in response to an uptick in COVID-19 cases. With extended mandates in California and new rules in Maryland and Canada, the discussion around the effectiveness of masking policies continues.
