Adverse effects of prolonged use of mask among employees at selected departments in Nedumkandam, Idukki, Kerala

Abstract

Introduction: “The surgical face mask has become a symbol of our times”. In March 17, 2020 this was headline of an article in the New York Times on the role of face mask during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of prolonged use of mask on physical well-being of employees in selected departments of Nedumkandam, Idukki, Kerala Method: The present study was an explorative study of 110 employees working in different sectors in Nedumkandam. Data were collected by using self-structured questionnaire. . There were total 20 questions related to physical effects of prolonged mask usage.. All participants wore either surgical mask or N95 respirators for a minimum of 6 hours per day. Result: Majority of the participants were male (56.3%) and between the age group of 36-45 years. The result indicated that 80.9% (N=89) were uncomfortable with mask usage. Reported side effects include head ache, breathing difficulty, nasal discomfort, skin related problems, Mask related infection. The majority of the respondents (N=89, 80.9%) report one or more of these adverse effect while 19% (N=21) report none of these side effects. Conclusion: The study was concluded that majority of the employees suffering with various physical discomforts including head ache, nose related problem, breathlessness, skin related problems. Employees who wear masks for extended periods reported increased fatigue and a sense of breathlessness.