Prevalence of face mask related complications among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Khalifa Binkhamis; Yasmin S Alqarni; Norah A Alasheikh; Najd S Alzahrani; Nouf A Alsubaie; Shahd A Almezel; Abeer W Awwad

doi:10.3855/jidc.18236

Prevalence of face mask related complications among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Authors

Khalifa Binkhamis Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5425-9531
Yasmin S Alqarni College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6888-0132
Norah A Alasheikh College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8461-7399
Najd S Alzahrani College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0714-8402
Nouf A Alsubaie College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1132-0099
Shahd A Almezel College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2023-3942
Abeer W Awwad College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7732-5449

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.18236

Keywords:

facemask, COVID-19, headache, complications, HCWs

Abstract

Introduction: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, most healthcare workers (HCWs) were required to wear face masks for long periods of time. Since then, it has been shown that face masks have the potential to cause several physical adverse effects. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of face mask-related complications among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, we compared the relationship between face mask usage with other variables, including the type of mask used and gender.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling, with a targeted sample of 517 participants (35% nonresponse). Data was collected via an electronic survey, the link for which was distributed through social media sites, such as WhatsApp and Twitter, to reach HCWs across Saudi Arabia. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software.

Results: Overall, 438 HCWs who wore N95 or surgical masks for 4 hours or more per day on average were recruited. Skin-related complications in the nasal area had the highest prevalence (342, 78.1%), followed by behind the ear area (333, 76.0%), cheeks (307, 70.1%), and chin (248, 56.6%). Other complications included headaches (226, 51.6%), and eye-related complications (211, 48.2%). All face mask-related complications, except for behind the ear skin complications, were more associated with female gender.

Conclusions: Mask usage was significantly associated with the development of headaches, and eye, and skin-related complications. Female HCWs were more predisposed to these complications. Preventative measures and awareness activities should be considered to help reduce mask use related complications.

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Published

2024-02-29

How to Cite

Binkhamis K, Alqarni YS, Alasheikh NA, Alzahrani NS, Alsubaie NA, Almezel SA, Awwad AW (2024) Prevalence of face mask related complications among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. J Infect Dev Ctries 18:211–218. doi: 10.3855/jidc.18236

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Issue

Vol. 18 No. 02: February 2024

Section

Coronavirus Pandemic

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