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The Effect of Face Masks on Covid Transmission: A Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Martina Luskova

    (Institute of Economic Studies at Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Prague)

Abstract

The effect of face masks on Covid-19 transmission is crucial for the health of populations. The effectiveness of face masks in reducing the transmission of Covid-19 varies across primary evidence. To perform a quantitative meta-analysis, we collected 258 estimates from 44 primary studies together with more than 30 variables reflecting the differences among these studies. We examine publication bias by implementing various statistical tests, revealing mild evidence for the phenomenon. Our contribution to other meta-analyses on this topic involves the use of Bayesian and Frequentist model averaging to identify the drivers behind the heterogeneity of the estimates. The results indicate that temperature, geographical latitude, and panel data structure increase the risk of transmission associated with maskwearing. Furthermore, a positive effect is identified for the healthcare setup. In contrast, wearing masks during aerosol-generating procedures decreases the risk of transmission.

Suggested Citation

  • Martina Luskova, 2024. "The Effect of Face Masks on Covid Transmission: A Meta-Analysis," Working Papers IES 2024/2, Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Economic Studies, revised Jan 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:fau:wpaper:wp2024_02
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    File URL: https://ies.fsv.cuni.cz/en/effect-face-masks-covid-transmission-meta-analysis
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    meta-analysis; Covid-19; face masks; pandemic; transmission; publication bias; Bayesian model averaging;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other
    • C68 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computable General Equilibrium Models

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