Surgical Mask Usage Effects: A Self-questionnaire Study of 7,014 Responders during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: WHO is advised to research the adverse consequences of surgical mask use in the community. This study aimed to determine effects of surgical mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between August-November, 2021 with 7014 participants. In the collection of data, Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, Knowledge Level Questionnaire on Surgical Mask Use, Surgical Mask Usage Characteristics Questionnaire, and Questionnaire on Symptoms Related to Surgical Mask Use were used. In the analysis of the data, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square and Logistic regression Analysis were used. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.1±12.5 years, 54.8% of them were women. 42.4% of the participants stated that they felt protected by the mask and 69.7% of them stated that they had problems with the use of masks. The mean score of the participants' knowledge questionnaire regarding the use of surgical masks was found to be 5.33 ± 1.88. The mean symptom score of the participants after the use of surgical masks was 2.57±2.67. Respiratory symptoms were seen at most 72.9% with the use of surgical masks. There was a significant relationship between male gender, chronic disease, not washing hands after contact, taking off masks in public, not having spare masks, and symptoms after surgical mask use (p