https://doi.org/10.4081/itjm.2023.1636

Correlation between extended surgical mask usage and adverse health effects during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare personnel in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Vol. 17 No. 3 (2023)
Submitted: 1 August 2023
Accepted: 20 August 2023
Published: 20 November 2023
COVID-19, prolonged mask usage, respiratory effects, dermatological effects, personal protective equipment (PPE)
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Authors

Suhaila A. Ali
Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.
Ahmad Y. Alqassim
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0170-1437
Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.
Fatmah O. Alshekh
Fatimahalsheikh053040@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2899-9237
Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Atheer M. Alshammakhi
Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Rawan N. Omar
Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Roaa A. Areeshi
Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Roaa M. Alhazmi
Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Lamees A. Zaalah
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9251-2398
Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed A. Muaddi
Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah A. Alharbi
Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.

The global prevalence of COVID-19 has necessitated the use of personal protective equipment, particularly face masks, amongst healthcare workers (HCWs). However, extended face mask usage has led to adverse health effects. This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between prolonged surgical mask-wearing and the development of adverse effects among 500 HCWs in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The study utilized an anonymous questionnaire distributed across multiple departments in Jazan and Sabya Hospitals. The results indicated that most participants believed that wearing face masks for extended periods led to adverse skin and respiratory effects. The primary respiratory complaints were difficulty breathing and nasal itching, while skin-related issues included sweating, itching, and acne. Therefore, this study concludes that extended surgical mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic could potentially lead to adverse health implications among HCWs in Jazan. Further research into this correlation is needed.

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How to Cite

Ali, S. A., Alqassim, A. Y., Alshekh, F. O., Alshammakhi, A. M., Omar, R. N., Areeshi, R. A., Alhazmi, R. M., Zaalah, L. A., Muaddi, M. A., & Alharbi, A. A. (2023). Correlation between extended surgical mask usage and adverse health effects during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare personnel in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Italian Journal of Medicine, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/itjm.2023.1636
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