Surgical mask usage effects: a self-questionnaire study of 7.014 responders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: WHO has advised to conduct research the adverse consequences of surgical mask use in the community. This study aimed to determine the effects of surgical mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 7014 respondents from 81 provinces of Turkey between August and November 2021. In the collection of data, a form on socio demographic characteristics, 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 respondents was 33.1±12.5 years, 54.8% of whom were women. 42.4% of the respondents 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 respondents’ knowledge questionnaire regarding the use of surgical masks was found to be 5.33 ± 1.88. The mean symptom score of the respondents after the use of surgical masks was 2.57±2.67. During mask use, respiratory symptoms were seen most commonly, by 72.9% of the respondents. There was a significant relationship between male gender, chronic disease, not washing hands after contact with masks, removing masks in public enviroment, having spare masks, and symptoms after surgical mask use (p<0.05). Conclusion: Hand contact with the mask, and not washing the hands afterwards, removing the surgical mask were modifiable factors that increase the risk. © 2024 by the Association of Public Health Specialist.