Table 2.

Themes and sub-themes identified in the interviews

Theme 1: The experience and impression towards masks in the past life

(i) Distrust and lack of understanding of the mask mandate (ii) Connecting face masks with health care workers

Theme 2: Cultural concepts and living habits of rural society

(i) Death and life are determined by fate, riches and rank decreed by Heaven (ii) Living habits in rural areas (ii) Respect the elderly and take advantage of one’s seniority

Theme 3: Personal cognition and attitudes of older adults

(i) Fluke mind (ii) Dissatisfaction with the prevention policies

Theme 4: Chronic diseases and emotional anxiety of older adults

(i) Chronic diseases and physical health safety (ii) Anxiety of lockdown