Factors Affecting Self-Reported Facial Protective Equipment Adherence by Rehabilitation Providers in Home Care During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Background: Homecare rehabilitation providers serve clients at home and in the community. Like homecare providers of other disciplines, they were required to use facial protective equipment (FPE) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Increased FPE usage may also be required during future respiratory disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. With no known studies exploring homecare rehabilitation providers’ FPE adherence, this pilot study explored factors influencing their adherence to respiratory and eye protection. Methods: Cross-sectional online surveys were completed by rehabilitation providers from 2 large not-for-profit homecare agencies in Ontario, Canada, in January 2023. Factors influencing respiratory and eye protection adherence were examined separately using descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression techniques. Conventional content analysis was used to explore open-text responses. Results: Rehabilitation providers (n = 124) reported adherence rates of 77% and 53% to respiratory and eye protection, respectively. Higher respiratory protection adherence was associated with previous exposure while lower adherence was associated with negative mental health effects due to past exposure. Eye protection adherence varied by provider occupation. Higher adherence to eye protection was associated with working 35 hours or less and with using face shields. Qualitative findings emphasized training and FPE accessibility to support adherence. Discussion: This pilot study revealed initial opportunities to support homecare rehabilitation providers’ adherence to FPE. Early insights suggest mental health support, easy FPE availability, and training opportunities may increase adherence. Hours worked, eye protection choice, and occupation may also be important factors. Future research is needed to deepen our understanding of the insights observed in this pilot study.