Table 3.

Major categories of concerns or justifications for opposing mask wearing (examples paraphrased to protect confidentiality)

Category	Description	Example	Proportion (N = 500)
Physical discomfort or negative effects	Perception or experience of discomfort or negative effects as a result of mask wearing such as rash, acne, shortness of breath, or fainting; or beliefs that wearing a mask would cause damage to the immune system.	“It is mandatory to wear a mask at work at my very physical job will cause restrictions to airflow, making it tough to breathe. Is CDC correct or city?!!!! WTF”	30.6%
Lack of effectiveness	Beliefs that mask wearing is not effective as it claims to be, or is not always effective (eg, if not properly worn), or that there are other better alternatives.	“Non-medical face mask made of clothes are not useful for COVID-19—NAFDAC warns URL”	27.4%
Unnecessary or inappropriate for certain people or under certain circumstances	Beliefs that healthy individuals, children, and/or those with certain health conditions should not wear masks, or that masks are not necessary outdoors or when social distancing is practiced.	“If you are not sick, you don’t need to wear a mask…. people are so dumb.” “People who drive wearing a mask alone are the same ones riding their bikes on a walk/run path. ?”	17%
Political beliefs	Beliefs that mandatory mask-wearing policies infringe upon personal liberty, or that those mask mandates are politicized and are manipulation tactics by certain politicians and special interest groups.	“That’s because we don't want to be forced to wear a mask!!!” “You’re stupid if you believe that wearing a mask will protect you from COVID-19. ? Anybody would know that this is all about manipulation control and ultimately a part of the deep state genocide! ?”	12.2%
Lack of mask-wearing culture	The negative connotations associated with mask wearing such as being odd-looking, “unAmerican,” criminal resembling, or reflective of panic and fear.	“I have always been made uncomfortable by someone wearing a surgical mask. Masks make me feel uneasy. This alone is enough to keep me inside. Well done, CDC.”	9.6%
Coronavirus not a serious threat	Coronavirus is not a serious threat, or not as serious as what the government suggests, and thus widespread mask wearing is an overreaction.	“During flu season you run into many people who have been exposed to the flu without knowing it and in turn expose you and we are not wearing a mask all flu season! Coronavirus is not a new virus, it is just a new strand!”	3.2%