Effect of Prolonged use of Facemask among Health Science Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Corona virus disease (covid-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2(sars-cov-2) which causes infection in nose, sinuses or upper throat and lungs. Recommended preventive measures include vaccination, wearing mask in public, social distancing ventilation and hand washing. Among which Face mask has its importance in protecting people from the corona virus disease. Prolonged usage (>8h) of mask (in office workers, college students, health workers) has been associated with complaints of headache, as well as an increase in perceived exertion and perceived shortness of breath. Objective: This study aimed to find out the effect of prolonged use of facemask among health science students during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A cross sectional study conducted among 101 health science students. A validated self-administered questionnaire consists of 3 components such as satisfaction of wearing masks, site of pain, and severity of pain was distributed among the students. Both genders age range from 18 to 25 and who wear N95 and surgical masks were included in this study. Completed questionnaire were analyzed statistically. Results: The obtained result shows that the quantification of pain felt by students only mild pain was common and it was 57.42%, moderate (36.63%) and severe (1.98%) pain Conclusion: Even though masks have become an essential part of daily life, extended use and the material of facemasks play a vital role in producing significant discomfort in all participants throughout their lengthy use, which requires careful consideration in everyday life.