Table 1 Comparison of the sociocultural meanings of facemasks during the SARS outbreak and post-SARS era in Hong Kong
During the SARS outbreak | In the post-SARS era | |
|---|---|---|
Perceived function of facemasks | Primarily used for infection prevention | Primarily used for infection prevention |
Sociocultural meaning of facemasks | Perceived as a new social norm | Perceived as a sign of people with negative attributes |
Perceived as a form of civic responsibility | Perceived as a medium for inviting stigmas and teasing | |
Perceived as symbolic support for health care providers | Perceived as a sign of weakness | |
Perceived as a tool for achieving a sense of control and security | Perceived to hinder recovery | |
Perceived nature of facemasks | Medical professionals’ advice was critical for the participants’ choice of an appropriate facemask | Toxic to skin |