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Facial masks for COVID-19 pandemic an approach toward awareness among health practitioners
Shivani Sachdeva1, Harish Saluja12, Amit Mani3, Shubhangi Mani4, Kirti Chawla5, Syeda Nikhat Mohammadi6
1 Department of Periodontology, Rural Dental College, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Maharashtra, India
2 Department of OMFS, Rural Dental College, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Maharashtra, India
3 Department of Periodontics, Rural Dental College, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Maharashtra, India
4 Department of Orthodontics, Rural Dental College, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Maharashtra, India
5 Department of Periodontology, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi, India
6 Department of PHD, Rural Dental College, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Maharashtra, India
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Kirti Chawla
Jamia Milia Islamia; New Delhi
India
Shivani Sachdeva
Department of Periodontology, Rural Dental College, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Maharashtra
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jhnps.jhnps_19_21
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Objective: Coronavirus pandemic is a human respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the type of mask, frequency of change, difficulties in breathing, dryness of mouth, hazards, and treatment taken for skin allergies if any due to use of facial masks in the present Coronavirus pandemic. Materials and Methods: The present survey was carried on dental practitioners for evaluating knowledge and attitude among 1640 participants. The anonymous survey was carried among different groups of age, gender, and qualifications among dentists all around the globe. SPSS 23.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. GraphPad Prism 6 was used for statistical analysis and visualization using Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and post hoc test. The validity of the questionnaire was pilot tested and measured. The Chron bach's alpha value was 0.71. Results: Among the participants 46.3% used respirators such as N95, filtering facepiece respirators 2, or the equivalent. Surgical masks were used by 43.9% and the remaining used cloth masks. When inter group comparison was done for different age groups, it was found that there was a statistically significant for the type of mask used. Sixty-six percent participants reported oral malodor after using the facial masks while dryness of the mouth was reported in 41.5 and 9.1% reported acne. Conclusion: The use of face masks has become mandatory ornament along with social distancing to avoid transmission. Hypercapnia and breathing difficulties reported were less. For treating the face after long use of facial mask many of the participants reported that no treatment was taken while, others hydrated the face frequently with water, moisturizer and very few used antifungal agent.
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