Facemask Use Research Articles

Knowledge and Awareness on Swine Origin Influenza A(H1N1) Among Health Care Providers and Civil Employees in a Tertiary Level Hospital, Dhaka Bangladesh

Background: Swine Origin Influenza A(H1N1) viruses create yearly epidemics and rarely pandemics that cost millions of lives worldwide. Health care providers and civil employees at hospital can help in prevention of transmission of influenza by acquiring knowledge and awareness. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital Dhaka from July to December 2023. Total 213 participants were interviewed that comprises doctors, nurses, medical assistants and civil employees. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data. Face to face interview was done through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Informed consent were obtained from the respondents addressing proper ethical issues. Results: In this study out of total participants 70.4% had previously heard about H1N1 influenza A. Total 38% participants said that internet was found as major source of information. Among the participants 64.3% told fever was common symptom and use of facemask at duty hour was consented by 33.8% as an important means for prevention. Maximum (66.3%) civil employees do not know about washing hand after contact as a preventive procedure leading to spread of infection. Maintaining distance as preventive measures observed by 13.6% participants. Moreover, all participants were aware of transmission through droplet infection except civil employees. In the present study, 50% doctors and 38.1% nurses had knowledge that drug Oseltamivir is very effective against swine Influenza A(H1N1). Remarkable differences were identified among doctors, nurses, medical assistants and civil employees regarding knowledge of quarantine and availability of vaccine. RT-PCR laboratory test is the confirmatory method to defect swine influenza A(H1N1) were exactly known by 9.9% participants, while 70.9% participants don't know the confirm diagnostic method. Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness regarding swine influenza A(H1N1) was low among study participants. For controlling epidemic or even pandemic, awareness by mass media is important. Remarkable gap observed regarding knowledge and awareness about swine influenza A(H1N1) among the health care providers and civil employees, needs to be addressed by proper training and motivation. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 57 No (1) June 2024, pp 1-7

Turkish validity and reliability study of the Attitudes Toward Face Mask Use Scale.

This study validates the Turkish version of the Attitudes Toward Face Mask Use Scale (ATFMUS). This scale is crucial for understanding public attitudes toward mask usage in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases. The research was conducted between September 2023 and February 2024 with 530 students from a foundation university's health sciences faculty. The study assessed the scale's language equivalence, content validity, and factor structure through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability was examined via item-total correlations, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and test-retest reliability, indicating satisfactory internal consistency and stability over time. The results confirm the Turkish ATFMUS's validity and reliability in measuring attitudes toward mask usage. This offers essential insights for formulating preventive initiatives within Turkish communities.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Associated Factors Among Individuals During the Second Wave of Infection in Yaounde, Cameroon

Background: The first case of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in Cameroon on March 5, 2020, in Yaounde. Since then, viral propagation occurred nationwide with a higher burden in urban settings and limited evidence on transmission patterns. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated factors among individuals in urban settings of Cameroon during the second wave of the pandemic. Methods: a population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 18 to April 26, 2021, among 807 consenting individuals living in four major districts of the city of Yaoundé. Out of 711 nasopharyngeal swabs collected, 671 tests were performed by SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL). Data were analysed using SPSS v21.0, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: overall SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity rate was 11.62% (78/671), without any significant difference between males and females with 10.9% versus 12.20% respectively (OR = 0.87, p = 0.5). However, clinical status was associated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity rate in symptomatic (26.3%) vs. asymptomatic (9.7%) individuals (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.30, p = 0.0001). Other factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity include exposure to more than 15min with confirmed cases, wearing a non-conventional facemask (p ˂ 0.05), the practice of occasional hand hygiene before and after contact with patients (OR = 3.60, p < 0.0001) or always as recommended (OR = 0.28, p = 0.0001), hand hygiene before and after occasional contact with objects (OR = 2.05, p = 0.0043) or always as recommended (OR = 0.48, p = 0.0027), surgical mask (OR = 0.17, p = 0.013) and standard mask (p = 0.026). Conclusion: From this urban setting of Cameroon, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reached an alert burden (10-20%) during the second wave of the pandemic at the district level. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 infection was driven by the presence of symptoms, close contact with confirmed cases, limited adherence to recommended barrier measures, and the use of non-conventional facemasks.

Association Between Acne Vulgaris and Face Mask Usage in Turkish Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Survey Study

Association Between Acne Vulgaris and Face Mask Usage in Turkish Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Survey Study

Potential Impacts of Prolonged Face Mask Use on Temporomandibular Joint Health as Neglected Lifestyle Repercussions of COVID-19 Pandemic-A Narrative Review.

Since December 2019, COVID-19 has rapidly spread worldwide, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic and advocate for the widespread use of face masks to mitigate transmission. In this review, we delve into the potential impact of prolonged face mask use on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health, an area that has garnered limited attention amidst COVID-19 research. Research has revealed that improper mask fit and constant readjustment can lead to TMJ abnormalities. Similarly, there is a demonstrated correlation between continuous mask usage and an increased incidence of headaches, temporomandibular pain, and diminished quality of life. Many studies have highlighted discomfort in the preauricular area, headaches, TMJ noises, headache, jaw pain, and muscle fatigue, as well as dermatological disorders, which have been attributed to prolonged mask wear and its impact on TMJ health. Our study catalyzes future research endeavors, urging a deeper exploration of the implications of long-term mask wear, not only in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic but also among occupational groups regularly exposed to extended mask use. By unraveling the complexities of TMJ health in the face of evolving preventive measures, we aim to enhance our understanding of this issue and safeguard the well-being of mask-wearers worldwide.

A Socio-Cultural Analysis of Users’ Intentions to Use Facemask in the Post Covid-19 Era in Nigeria

This paper investigates individuals’ intention to use facemasks in the post-COVID-19 era using the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, enforcement, rather than individual choice, drove facemask usage. In the post-COVID-19 era, the effects of facilitating condition, social influence, price value, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, experience and habit on the intention to use the facemask were investigated using the regressions analyses. A total of 417 respondents took part in the selection from government organisations, including higher institutions and public offices in South-West Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). The result shows that facilitating conditions and hedonic motivation positively influenced the intention to use the facemask, while price value, experience and habit have negative impacts. Findings from this study suggest that facemask manufacturers and distributors must suitably design their products to suit the value perception of the user and beliefs that trigger social status and hedonic motivations in conjunction with the primary health benefits of the facemasks. It is recommended that further improvement of the facemask technology, such that it can convert traditional facemasks into smart technology with increasing emphasis on fashion and style, while adhering to safety measures be promoted by policymakers and manufacturers. While facemask manufacturers must see that the quality of their products meets up to ASTM (or relevant) standards, for which user-friendly, durable, microbe-resistant, yet biodegradable materials have been used, policymakers must organise regular sensitization programs on the importance of mask usage, and as well promote continuous development of improved technologies for nosemask designs.

Facemask vapor trapping, condensation, and thermoregulation

The widespread adoption of facemasks in various contexts has highlighted challenges associated with prolonged mask-wearing. Despite their effectiveness in preventing the spread of pathogens, issues such as discomfort, stuffiness, and fogging of eyeglasses can deter individuals from wearing masks consistently. Understanding the mechanisms of thermal and humidity regulation during facemask use is crucial for addressing these challenges. This study investigates the impact of face mask-wearing on facial thermoregulation and moisture accumulation, comparing conditions with and without masks. An integrated computational model was developed to consider respiratory flows, tissue heat generation, skin convective heat dissipation, the influence of inhaled cool air and exhaled warm air, and their interactions with the mask media. Model validation was conducted using complementary Schlieren imaging and transient temperature measurements. Results reveal significant increases in facial temperature with well-fitted masks and highlight the role of trapped moisture inside the mask. Thermo-humidity variations beneath the mask and condensations in the mask were quantified, providing insights into facemask-wearing thermoregulation. The effects of moist vs. dry air, steady vs. tidal breathing, and with vs. without buoyancy were quantitatively compared. These findings have implications for improving mask design and promoting adherence in diverse environmental settings. Addressing these discomfort-related challenges is crucial for enhancing mask adherence and ensuring adequate protection.

Comparative Analysis of Face Mask Usage and Environmental Impact in Asian Cities during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in face mask demand, resulting in increased face mask waste and environmental impacts. This study investigates mask usage patterns and the environmental impacts of single-use and cloth masks across three phases: pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and the new normal. A comprehensive survey conducted in five cities across four Asian countries reveals a surge in mask usage during COVID-19 (6.81 pieces/week), followed by a decline in the new normal (3.73 pieces/week), though usage remained higher than pre-COVID-19 levels (1.46 pieces/week). For single-use masks, age significantly impacts usage in all cities, while gender and education level affect usage in Shanghai, Harbin, and Depok. Household income influences mask use in Shanghai and Harbin. For cloth masks, education level significantly correlates with usage in most cities. The study highlights the significant environmental impact of mask use, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Switching to cloth masks for one year could reduce carbon footprints by 44.27–81.9 million kgCO2eq, decrease solid waste by 34.81–52.41 million kg, and reduce microplastic emissions by 6.50 to 15.56 trillion particles in the first 24 h after disposal. However, this transition may increase water usage by 1.73–1.86 billion m3H2Oeq. The study also offers policy recommendations on mask usage and disposal.

Re-use of COVID-19 waste facemasks for modification of Nigeria’s naturally occurring bitumen for road construction

Nigeria currently imports bitumen for road construction despite the presence of a significant amount of naturally occurring bitumen (NOB) in Ondo state. The use of facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradable and harmful nature. This study explores the potential of utilising waste facemasks in modifying NOB for road paving in Nigeria. The physiochemical properties of NOB were determined, and tests were conducted to assess its suitability for road construction. The results showed that the neat NOB had high penetration, low softening point, and high viscosity, making it unsuitable for road construction in Nigeria’s tropical region. However, the modified NOB, when blended with waste facemasks, exhibited reduced penetration and increased softening point, aligning with the AC-10 grade bitumen requirements. Further testing using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) is recommended to determine the rheological properties of the modified NOB. This study is the first of its kind to explore the use of waste facemasks in modifying naturally occurring bitumen for road construction. It proposes a novel solution that not only addresses the environmental issues associated with waste facemasks but also offers a sustainable alternative to imported bitumen. Future works include long-term performance studies, comparative evaluations, environmental impact assessments, and scaling-up studies to assess the feasibility and practicality of implementing this approach on a larger scale.

Family Care in Members with COVID-19 Using Telenursing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the infection and death of millions of people around the world. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have issued recommendations for caregivers of patients sent home with COVID-19, such as; the use of facemasks, hygiene at home, the use of the vaccine, among others. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the level of support from information technologies (Whatsapp) with the level of knowledge to provide better care at home by family caregivers of people with COVID-19 by an educational program to 130 caregivers.

Utilizing Carbon Dots Derived from Waste Face Masks for Pentachlorophenol Detection.

Pentachlorophenol is a very toxic chemical that is used as a pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, wood preservative, etc., and it should be monitored in terms of human health and environmental production. Another environmental problem is the increase in the use of facemasks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides a value added chemicals to sustainability of recycling process. Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized from waste facemasks and investigated their fluorescence sensor performances. UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra of the synthesized carbon dots were recorded in different organic solvents. The sensor properties of these carbon dots against pesticides were investigated, and a 'turn-off' response was observed toward pentachlorophenol. The limit of detection was found 8.5 µM in the linear range from 43.3 µM to 375 µM. This study showed that waste plastics such as facemasks can be recycled to obtain carbon dots, which are used in different technological areas such as photocatalysis, bioimaging, etc., as well as in sensors.

Analyzing evolutionary game theory in epidemic management: A study on social distancing and mask-wearing strategies.

When combating a respiratory disease outbreak, the effectiveness of protective measures hinges on spontaneous shifts in human behavior driven by risk perception and careful cost-benefit analysis. In this study, a novel concept has been introduced, integrating social distancing and mask-wearing strategies into a unified framework that combines evolutionary game theory with an extended classical epidemic model. To yield deeper insights into human decision-making during COVID-19, we integrate both the prevalent dilemma faced at the epidemic's onset regarding mask-wearing and social distancing practices, along with a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. We explore the often-overlooked aspect of effective mask adoption among undetected infectious individuals to evaluate the significance of source control. Both undetected and detected infectious individuals can significantly reduce the risk of infection for non-masked individuals by wearing effective facemasks. When the economical burden of mask usage becomes unsustainable in the community, promoting affordable and safe social distancing becomes vital in slowing the epidemic's progress, allowing crucial time for public health preparedness. In contrast, as the indirect expenses associated with safe social distancing escalate, affordable and effective facemask usage could be a feasible option. In our analysis, it was observed that during periods of heightened infection risk, there is a noticeable surge in public interest and dedication to complying with social distancing measures. However, its impact diminishes beyond a certain disease transmission threshold, as this strategy cannot completely eliminate the disease burden in the community. Maximum public compliance with social distancing and mask-wearing strategies can be achieved when they are affordable for the community. While implementing both strategies together could ultimately reduce the epidemic's effective reproduction number ([Formula: see text]) to below one, countries still have the flexibility to prioritize either of them, easing strictness on the other based on their socio-economic conditions.

Examining Public Behavior and Environmental Impact: Disposal Practices of Disposable Facemasks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study investigates the disposal behavior of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, explicitly focusing on the environmental impact of disposable facemasks. As facemask usage surges, concerns about improper disposal practices rise. The research aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the behavioral factors influencing facemask disposal. The study employs a cross-sectional predictive research design, sampling participants from the Philippines using stratified and random sampling. Utilizing a comprehensive survey, the "Facemask Disposal Scale," and the adapted "Environmental Consciousness Scale," the research explores the predictive role of environmental awareness in facemask disposal. Quantitative analysis reveals a weak positive correlation between environmental awareness and disposal behavior. Significant differences in disposal behavior based on socio-economic status and educational attainment are identified. The study emphasizes the complexity of disposal behavior, highlighting the need for further research to inform interventions and policies promoting responsible facemask disposal for public health and environmental preservation. Keywords: Facemask Disposal Behavior, Environmental Consciousness, Socio-Economic Status, Disposal Awareness

Domestic Facemask Waste Policy Based on Environmental Ethics in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Urgency and Challenges.

The Covid-19 pandemic greatly affected various aspects of life. To prevent and control its spread, people are morally and legally obliged to wear face facemasks. The use of facemasks brings many waste problems. However, the Indonesian policy on facemask waste management does not regard the massive environmental consequences, as the amount of domestic facemask waste reaches hundreds of tons daily with limited management capacity application. Hence, this study aims to assess current issues and policies on facemask waste from the perspective of environmental ethics. This research used the juridical-normative method, where legal rules and principles were processed to address current issues, supported by literature sources. This research employed qualitative approach to collect and analyze data. Results showed that there was a legal void which caused terrible facemask waste management in Indonesia. There was confusion in categorizing facemask waste, whether it is domestic or infectious waste, causing hazards in its management. From a deep ecology perspective, the applied facemask waste management was only beneficial for humans while completely neglecting biotic and abiotic components. To overcome this, several suggestions were: 1) categorizing domestic disposable facemask waste as hazardous waste, 2) applying sanctions for the violation of norms and tight social control on first-level management of facemask waste, and 3) using reusable facemask. The obligation of wearing facemasks that were protective for humans during the Covid-19 pandemic must be followed with policies regulating facemask waste management that consider the environment and its biotic and abiotic components.

Are facemasks effective against particulate matter pollution? Evidence from the field

The use of anti-pollution facemasks (APFs) in defense against particulate matter (PM) pollution is subject to debate as air pollution and wildfire events intensify. Inward leakage due to imperfect fitting and the Peltzman effect of people spending more time outdoors when wearing masks have led to mixed evidence regarding the effectiveness of APFs, which in turn has contributed to conflicting public messages about APFs with potentially large public health costs. We conduct a large-scale randomized field study on individuals' daily outdoor time and mask wearing behaviors and the associated health outcomes during an entire winter heating season in a provincial capital city in Northeastern China. We find that APFs used in everyday life achieved an overall efficiency of 80% in reducing respiratory or cardiovascular disease related doctor visits. Mask wearing, due to its discomfort, reduced outdoor time. However, the added protection provided by masks against PM led respondents to spend more time outdoors on smog days, and this relative Peltzman effect wiped out about 12% of APFs' health benefits. Taken together, APFs’ health benefits far exceed their financial costs. These findings call for affirmatory but careful messaging to the public about using APFs as personal protection against PM pollution.

Implications of Face Mask Usage on Diverse Populations: Challenges and Considerations

Implications of Face Mask Usage on Diverse Populations: Challenges and Considerations

Communication challenges caused by wearing masks and strategies used by pediatric nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic and the use of facemasks have caused many communication challenges for pediatric nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate these challenges and the strategies that nurses use to overcome them during the nursing care of sick children. Design and methodsThis was a qualitative study using conventional content analysis. The nurses were selected by purpose-based sampling and interviewed semi-structurally between April and June 2023 at the Children's Educational Therapy Center in Tabriz, Iran. The sample size was determined by the data saturation principle. The report of this research followed the COREQ guidelines. ResultsTwelve nurses were interviewed. The analysis revealed four main categories: “Disturbances in communication”, “Disturbances in trust”, “Disturbances in providing care”, and “Nurses' strategies to mitigate the challenges of mask usage. To solve the challenges caused by the mask, nurses used solutions such as removing the mask and mitigating the adverse effects of mask usage they used. The central theme of the study was “Humanistic care requires trust-based communication”. ConclusionsThis study highlights the communication challenges faced by pediatric nurses due to mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, nurses have developed innovative strategies to improve communication and build trust with their young patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of these strategies. Practical implicationsThese strategies can be useful for other nurses who work with children in similar conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of these strategies in different settings and populations.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae at the rise not only in China: rapid increase of Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases also in Spain

ABSTRACT After the use of facemasks, other isolation measures enacted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were lifted, respiratory pathogens, such as RSV, reappeared, but until the November 2023 WHO alert for China, M. pneumoniae had virtually disappeared. After observing a similar reappearance in our hospital, a retrospective analysis of the number of positive M. pneumoniae tests. Between 2018 and December 2023, 1619 PCR tests were ordered and 43 (2.6%) of them were positive. Two outbreaks, one in 2018 and one in 2023, accounted for the majority of cases. Tests were usually ordered in an outpatient setting (53.54%, n = 23) and most of them were paediatric patients with a mean age (sd) of 10.2 (6.2) years. As for the severity of the cases, in the 2018 outbreak, of 15 children who tested positive, 53.3% (n = 8) were admitted to the ward and 6.7% (n = 1) at the intensive care unit. Whereas in 2023, 2 patients were tested in the ward (10.5%) and one in the intensive care unit (5.2%) from a total of 19 patients. The positive rate in 2023 was significantly higher in comparison with years 2020, 2021 and 2022 and significantly lower in comparison with 2018 (P-value=0.003). The outbreak in late 2023 can be explained by the seasonality of Mycoplasma pneumonia alone, which has shown outbreaks every 3–5 years, and it does not appear to be more severe than the previous one.

Effectiveness of vaccination, travel load, and facemask use control strategies for controlling COVID Delta variant: the case of Sydney Metropolitan Area

AbstractThe Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, specifically identified as B.1.617.2, is responsible for the severe outbreaks witnessed globally, including in various countries and cities, with Sydney Greater Metropolitan Area (Sydney GMA) being no exception. According to scientific studies, the Delta strain exhibits increased contagion and leads to a higher incidence of vaccine breakthrough cases, posing significant challenges to pandemic control efforts. In this study, we explore the efficacy of three fundamental control strategies—namely, vaccination rates, adherence to facemask usage, and the management of travel loads—in mitigating the spread of the disease and, consequently, eliminating the Delta variant pandemic in Sydney GMA. We employ an agent-based disease spread model to thoroughly investigate these strategies. Moreover, factorial MANOVA is utilised to assess the significance of variations in the impact of diverse compliance levels with the aforementioned control strategies on various attributes of the pandemic. As complete lockdowns and stringent travel regulations have the potential to induce physical and mental distress in individuals and economic crises for countries, our study examines the interactive effects of implementing control strategies to mitigate the necessity for a full lockdown. The simulation results suggest that suppressing a pandemic with similar characteristics to Delta variant of COVID is feasible with a vaccination rate of 80% or higher, as long as travel load and activity participation are maintained at pre-COVID levels. Alternatively, a more realistic and attainable combination of control measures—a vaccination rate of 60%, a facemask usage level of 60%, and a 50% compliance level for social distancing—demonstrates comparable efficacy, leading to effective pandemic control. Notably, the vaccination rate emerges as a more potent control strategy compared to others in the elimination of the disease within society.

Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon from open burning of disposable COVID-19 facemask: Spatial distribution and risk assessment

The use of facemasks as a preventive measure against infection of the COVID-19 virus has some associated environmental impacts, especially in Subs-Saharan African countries where the used facemasks are being disposed of using open burning. Hence this study characterized Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) emissions from different COVID-19 facemask materials and determined the associated risk of open burning of facemask. Facemasks of different materials were sourced from open dump sites. Each material was combusted in an open reactor and the emissions were collected using A filter-sorbent sampling system. Analysis of PAHs in the sample was carried out using GCMS. The associated health risk was assessed using Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) and Hazard Quotient (HQ). The result showed the concentration of PAHs emission ranged ∑ PAHs 73.33 –368.16 µg/m3 while carcinogenic PAHs ranged ∑ CarPAHs 26.79–179.74 µg/m3. The result also showed the surgical and N95 facemask emits the highest concentration of PAHs. The modeled annual ground-level PAHs Isopleth reveals the presence of a high concentration of PAHs around the vicinity of the burning site after a year. Proper disposal of these facemask using controlled medical incinerator is highly recommended.