Evaluation of COVID-19 preventive practices among sellers in the Beni Mellal region of Morocco.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has impacted millions of individuals and caused numerous casualties. Consequently, there was a race to develop vaccines against the virus. However, there has been unequal vaccine distribution among nations, and concerns over side effects have resulted in vaccine hesitancy, reducing vaccination rates in many countries and hindering pandemic eradication. Preventive measures like well-fitted masks, frequent hand washing, alcohol-based sanitizers, and maintaining physical distance remain crucial to curb SARS-CoV-2 transmission. This study examined the adoption of these preventive measures among sellers in the Beni Mellal region of Morocco. RESULTS: We analyzed a cohort of 700 merchants, including 40.28% middle-aged males. Among them, 53% (371/700) wore masks, with 61.08% using medical masks, and 44.05% correctly positioned their masks. Additionally, 20.29% (142/700) carried disinfectants, of whom 117 used them at least once in 30 minutes. However, physical distancing was lacking in 78.29% of sellers, particularly among young and middle-aged males (18% and 31.86%, respectively). More than 80% of the vendors had frequent physical contact with others, primarily through hands. Surprisingly, only 1% (7/700) of participants combined the following preventive measures: using a disinfectant at least once, wearing a well-fitted mask, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding contact with others. Two individuals (0.29%) refrained from touching any surfaces. Money accounted for 76.57% of commonly touched surfaces; yet only 0.29% adhered to the preventive measures while handling money. Furthermore, a majority of individuals (92.14%, 645/700) were observed touching their faces at least once.

The COVID-19 pandemic and OBGYN residency training: We have a problem and it's not just masks.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has left no one untouched. Resident trainees have been driven to reconsider virtually every component of their daily lives. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residency training and education. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted between 2/2022 and 5/2022. A survey was created and distributed to OBGYN residents. The survey queried the effects of the pandemic on OBGYN residents' procedure skills training and mental health. RESULTS: A total of 95 OBGYN residents across programs affiliated with each American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) district participated in the survey. Among them, just over half (n = 52, 55%) self-identified as under-represented minorities. A significant majority, 80% (n = 81), felt their gynecological training was inadequate, with 70% of fourth-year residents expressing a lack of confidence in their ability to independently practice gynecology after graduation. This lack of confidence among fourth-year residents suggests a notable disparity in readiness for independent gynecological practice, linked to meeting ACGME requirements before completing their residency (p = 0.013). Among the residents who reported a negative impact of the pandemic on their mental health (n = 76, 80%), about 40% (n = 31) had contemplated self-harm or knew a colleague who considered or attempted suicide (p < 0.001). This issue was especially pronounced in residents experiencing burnout (n = 44, 46%), as nearly half (n = 19, 43%) reported suicidal thoughts or knew someone in their program who had such thoughts or engaged in self-harm (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Residents expressed concerns about reduced hands-on gynecological training and doubts about their readiness for independent practice post-residency, highlighting the need for enhanced support through mentorship and revised training curriculums. Additionally, despite the availability of mental health resources to address pandemic-induced burnout, their underuse suggests a need for more accessible time for residents to use at their discretion and flexible training schedules that encourage mental health support resource utilization.

Potential health risks of microplastic fibres release from disposable surgical masks: Impact of repeated wearing and handling.

Disposable surgical masks undeniably provide important personal protection in daily life, but the potential health risks by the release of microplastic fibres from masks should command greater attention. In this study, we conducted a microplastic fibre release simulation experiment by carrying masks in a pocket and reusing them, to reveal the number and morphological changes of microfibres released. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy were employed to analyse the physical and chemical characteristics of the mask fibres. The results indicated that the reuse of disposable masks led to a significant release of microplastic fibres, potentially leading to their migration into the respiratory system. Furthermore, the release of microplastic fibres increased with prolonged external friction, particularly when masks were stored in pockets. The large-scale release of microplastic fibres due to mask reuse raises concerns about potential health risks to the human respiratory system. The reuse of disposable masks should be also strictly avoided in daily life in the future. Furthermore, the current study also established a robust foundation for future research endeavours on health risks associated with microplastic fibres entering the respiratory system through improper mask usage.

[Portrayal of dentists in films]. / Uitbeelding van tandartsen in speelfilms.

To analyze the portrayal of dentists in films, 259 films from the period 1907 - 2018 featuring one or more dentists, were systematically analyzed. A total of 333 dentists were identified, mostly of Caucasian origin (85%) and male (86%). 228 dentists depicted dental procedures, sometimes using gloves (41%), (splash) glasses (35%), and mouth masks (24%). The depicted dental procedures mainly consist of the use of pocket probes and mirrors (46%), drilling/filling (31%), and extractions (25%). Furthermore, dentists in films are relatively often involved in negative activities such as physical violence (29%) and sexual offences (18%). In 16 films (6%), dentists murdered people. Although there is no single stereotypical portrayal of dentists in films, the overall picture seems to need improvement as it is not contributing to the reputation of the dental profession.

Bioinspired Structures Made of Silicone Nanofilaments for Upcycling Waste Masks to Reusable N95 Respirators.

The increasing demand for personal protective equipment such as single-use masks has led to large amounts of nondegradable plastic waste, aggravating economic and environmental burdens. This study reports a simple and scalable approach for upcycling waste masks via a chemical vapor deposition technique, realizing a trichome-like biomimetic (TLB) N95 respirator with superhydrophobicity (water contact angle ≥150°), N95-level protection, and reusability. The TLB N95 respirator comprising templated silicone nanofilaments with an average diameter of ∼150 nm offers N95-level protection and breathability comparable to those of commercial N95 respirators. The TLB N95 respirator can still maintain its N95-level protection against particulate matter and viruses after 10 disinfection treatment cycles (i.e., ultraviolet irradiation, microwave irradiation, dry heating, and autoclaving), demonstrating durable reusability. The proposed strategy provides new insight into upcycle waste masks, breaking the existing design and preparation concept of reusable masks.

Riboflavin based setup as an alternative method for a preliminary screening of face mask filtration efficiency.

Face masks are essential in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections and bacterial filtration efficiency, a key parameter of mask performances, requires the use of Staphylococcus aureus and specialised staff. This study aims to develop a novel method for a preliminary screening of masks or materials filtration efficiency by a green, easy and rapid setup based on the use of a riboflavin solution, a safe autofluorescent biomolecule. The proposed setup is composed of a commercial aerosol generator commonly used for aerosol therapy, custom 3D printed aerosol chamber and sample holder, a filter for downstream riboflavin detection and a vacuum pump. The filtration efficiency of four different masks was assessed using the riboflavin-based setup and the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE). The averaged filtration efficiency values, measured with both methods, were similar but were higher for the riboflavin-based setup (about 2% for all tested samples) than bacterial filtration efficiency. Considering the good correlation, the riboflavin-based setup can be considered validated as an alternative method to bacterial filtration efficiency for masks and related materials fabrics filtration efficiency screening but This study aims to develop a novel method for a preliminary screening of masks or materials filtration efficiency by a green, easy and rapid setup based on the use of a riboflavin solution, a safe autofluorescent biomolecule, but not to replace regulation approaches. The proposed setup can be easily implemented at low price, is more rapid and eco-friendly and can be performed in chemical-physical laboratories without the needing of biosafety laboratory and specialised operators.

The impact of face coverings on audio-visual contributions to communication with conversational speech.

The use of face coverings can make communication more difficult by removing access to visual cues as well as affecting the physical transmission of speech sounds. This study aimed to assess the independent and combined contributions of visual and auditory cues to impaired communication when using face coverings. In an online task, 150 participants rated videos of natural conversation along three dimensions: (1) how much they could follow, (2) how much effort was required, and (3) the clarity of the speech. Visual and audio variables were independently manipulated in each video, so that the same video could be presented with or without a superimposed surgical-style mask, accompanied by one of four audio conditions (either unfiltered audio, or audio-filtered to simulate the attenuation associated with a surgical mask, an FFP3 mask, or a visor). Hypotheses and analyses were pre-registered. Both the audio and visual variables had a statistically significant negative impact across all three dimensions. Whether or not talkers' faces were visible made the largest contribution to participants' ratings. The study identifies a degree of attenuation whose negative effects can be overcome by the restoration of visual cues. The significant effects observed in this nominally low-demand task (speech in quiet) highlight the importance of the visual and audio cues in everyday life and that their consideration should be included in future face mask designs.

Face mask use in the city of Chennai, India: Results from three serial cross-sectional surveys, 2021.

INTRODUCTION: The Government of Tamil Nadu, India, mandated wearing face masks in public places to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We established face mask surveillance and estimated the prevalence of appropriate mask use (covering the nose, mouth, and chin) in the slums and non-slums of Chennai at different time points in 2021. METHODS: We conducted three serial cross-sectional surveys in the outdoors and indoors of Chennai in March, July, and October 2021. We observed the mask wearing among 3200 individuals in the outdoors and 1280 in the indoors. We divided the outdoor and indoor locations into slums and non-slums. In October 2021, we also surveyed 150 individuals from each of the 11 shopping malls in the city. We calculated the proportions and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the appropriate mask use in the outdoor, indoor, and malls by age, gender, region, and setting (slum and non-slum). RESULTS: We observed 3200 individuals in the outdoor and 1280 individuals in the indoor setting, each from a slum and non-slum, during the three rounds of the study. In outdoor and indoors, males comprised three-fourths and middle-aged individuals were half the study population. Mask compliance changed significantly with time (p-value <0.001). Males consistently demonstrated better compliance in all rounds. The south region had the highest mask compliance in slums indoors and outdoors in rounds 4 and 5. Young adults had the highest mask compliance in both outdoor slums and non-slums in all rounds. Overall mask compliance in shopping malls was 57% (95% CI: 48-65). CONCLUSION: The mask compliance in Chennai outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic was less than 50%, with variations across time points by gender, age groups, and geographical locations. We must develop more effective communication strategies for older age groups and crowded indoor settings.

Effects of Face Mask Mandates on COVID-19 Transmission in 51 Countries: Retrospective Event Study.

BACKGROUND: The question of the utility of face masks in preventing acute respiratory infections has received renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, given the inconclusive evidence from existing randomized controlled trials, evidence based on real-world data with high external validity is missing. OBJECTIVE: To add real-world evidence, this study aims to examine whether mask mandates in 51 countries and mask recommendations in 10 countries increased self-reported face mask use and reduced SARS-CoV-2 reproduction numbers and COVID-19 case growth rates. METHODS: We applied an event study approach to data pooled from four sources: (1) country-level information on self-reported mask use was obtained from the COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey, (2) data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker provided information on face mask mandates and recommendations and any other nonpharmacological interventions implemented, (3) mobility indicators from Google's Community Mobility Reports were also included, and (4) SARS-CoV-2 reproduction numbers and COVID-19 case growth rates were retrieved from the Our World in Data-COVID-19 data set. RESULTS: Mandates increased mask use by 8.81 percentage points (P=.006) on average, and SARS-CoV-2 reproduction numbers declined on average by -0.31 units (P=.008). Although no significant average effect of mask mandates was observed for growth rates of COVID-19 cases (-0.98 percentage points; P=.56), the results indicate incremental effects on days 26 (-1.76 percentage points; P=.04), 27 (-1.89 percentage points; P=.05), 29 (-1.78 percentage points; P=.04), and 30 (-2.14 percentage points; P=.02) after mandate implementation. For self-reported face mask use and reproduction numbers, incremental effects are seen 6 and 13 days after mandate implementation. Both incremental effects persist for >30 days. Furthermore, mask recommendations increased self-reported mask use on average (5.84 percentage points; P<.001). However, there were no effects of recommendations on SARS-CoV-2 reproduction numbers or COVID-19 case growth rates (-0.06 units; P=.70 and -2.45 percentage points; P=.59). Single incremental effects on self-reported mask use were observed on days 11 (3.96 percentage points; P=.04), 13 (3.77 percentage points; P=.04) and 25 to 27 (4.20 percentage points; P=.048 and 5.91 percentage points; P=.01) after recommendation. Recommendations also affected reproduction numbers on days 0 (-0.07 units; P=.03) and 1 (-0.07 units; P=.03) and between days 21 (-0.09 units; P=.04) and 28 (-0.11 units; P=.05) and case growth rates between days 1 and 4 (-1.60 percentage points; P=.03 and -2.19 percentage points; P=.03) and on day 23 (-2.83 percentage points; P=.05) after publication. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to recommendations, mask mandates can be used as an effective measure to reduce SARS-CoV-2 reproduction numbers. However, mandates alone are not sufficient to reduce growth rates of COVID-19 cases. Our study adds external validity to the existing randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of face masks to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Prozone masks elevated SARS-CoV-2 antibody level measurements.

We report a prozone effect in measurement of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody levels from an antibody surveillance program. Briefly, the prozone effect occurs in immunoassays when excessively high antibody concentration disrupts the immune complex formation, resulting in a spuriously low reported result. Following participant inquiries, we observed anomalously low measurement of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody levels using the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay from participants in the Texas Coronavirus Antibody Research survey (Texas CARES), an ongoing prospective, longitudinal antibody surveillance program. In July, 2022, samples were collected from ten participants with anomalously low results for serial dilution studies, and a prozone effect was confirmed. From October, 2022 to March, 2023, serial dilution of samples detected 74 additional cases of prozone out of 1,720 participants' samples. Prozone effect may affect clinical management of at-risk populations repeatedly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein through multiple immunizations or serial infections, making awareness and mitigation of this issue paramount.

Wearing face masks as a potential source for inhalation and oral uptake of inanimate toxins - A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: From 2020 to 2023 many people around the world were forced to wear masks for large proportions of the day based on mandates and laws. We aimed to study the potential of face masks for the content and release of inanimate toxins. METHODS: A scoping review of 1003 studies was performed (database search in PubMed/MEDLINE, qualitative and quantitative evaluation). RESULTS: 24 studies were included (experimental time 17 min to 15 days) evaluating content and/or release in 631 masks (273 surgical, 228 textile and 130 N95 masks). Most studies (63%) showed alarming results with high micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) release and exceedances could also be evidenced for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), xylene, acrolein, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates (including di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, DEHP) and for Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb and TiO2. DISCUSSION: Of course, masks filter larger dirt and plastic particles and fibers from the air we breathe and have specific indications, but according to our data they also carry risks. Depending on the application, a risk-benefit analysis is necessary. CONCLUSION: Undoubtedly, mask mandates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been generating an additional source of potentially harmful exposition to toxins with health threatening and carcinogenic properties at population level with almost zero distance to the airways.

Disposable surgical/medical face masks and filtering face pieces: Source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment.

The production and consumption of disposable face masks (DFMs) increased intensely during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a high amount of them being found in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. The main goal of this research study is to conduct a comparative evaluation of the water-leachability of microplastics (MPs) and chemical additives from various types of disposable surgical/medical face masks (MM DFMs) and filtering face pieces (FFPs). Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was used for MPs analysis. Liquid Chromatography/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry was used to analyse analytes presented in the water-leachates of DFMs. FFPs released 3-4 times more microplastic particles compared to MM DFMs. The release of MPs into water from all tested DFMs without mechanical stress suggests potential MP contamination originating from the DFM production process. Our study for the first time identified bisphenol B (0.25-0.42 µg/L) and 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (163.9-115.0 µg/L) as leachables from MM DFMs. MPs in the water-leachates vary in size, with predominant particles <100 µm, and the release order from DFMs is MMIIR > MMII > FFP3>FFP2>MMI. The main type of microplastics identified in the water leachates of the investigated face masks was polypropylene, accounting for 93-97% for MM DFMs and 82-83% for FFPs. Other polymers such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester/polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide/Nylon, polyvinylchloride, and ethylene-propylene copolymer were also identified, but in smaller amounts. FFPs released a wider variety and a higher percentage (17-18%) of other polymers compared to MM DFMs (3-7%). Fragments and fibres were identified in all water-leachate samples, and fragments, particularly debris of polypropylene fibres, were the most common MP morphotype. The findings in this study are important in contributing additional data to develop science-based policy recommendations on the health and environmental impacts of MPs and associated chemical additives originated from DFMs.

Leaching behaviors of dissolved organic matter from face masks revealed by fluorescence EEM combined with FRI and PARAFAC.

Despite numerous studies investigating the occurrence and fate of microplastics, no effort has been devoted toward exploring the characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) leached from face masks mainly made of plastics and additives used in large quantities during the COVID-19 pandemic. By using FTIR, UV-vis, fluorescence EEM coupling with FRI and PARAFAC, and kinetic models of leaching experiments, we explored the leaching behaviors of face mask-derived DOM (FM-DOM) from commonly used face masks including N95, KN95, medical surgical masks, etc. The concentration of FM-DOM increased quickly at early 0-48 h and reached equilibrium at about 48 h measured in terms of dissolved organic carbon and fluorescence intensity. The protein-like materials ranged from 80.32 % to 89.40 % of percentage fluorescence response (Pi,n) were dominant in four types of FM-DOM analyzed by fluorescence EEM-FRI during the leaching experiments from 1 to 360 h. Four fluorescent components were identified, which included tryptophan-like components, tyrosine-like components, microbial protein-like components, and fulvic-like components with fluorescence EEM-PARAFAC models. The multi-order kinetic model (Radj2 0.975-0.999) fitted better than the zero-order and first-order kinetic model (Radj2 0.936-0.982) for all PARAFAC components of FM-DOM based on equations derived by pseudo kinetic models. The leaching rate constants (kn) ranged from 0.058 to 30.938 and the half-life times (T1/2) ranged from 2.73 to 24.87 h for four FM-DOM samples, following the solubility order of fulvic-like components (C4) > microbial protein-like components (C3) > tryptophan-like components (C1) > tyrosine-like components (C2) for FM-DOM from four types of face masks during the leaching experiment from 0 to 360 h. These novel findings will contribute to the understanding of the underappreciated environment impact of face masks in aquatic ecosystems.

High-flow nasal oxygenation versus face mask oxygenation for preoxygenation in patients undergoing double-lumen endobronchial intubation: protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: With the growing emphasis on swift recovery, minimally invasive thoracic surgery has advanced significantly. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has seen rapid development, and the double-lumen tube (DLT) remains the most dependable method for tracheal intubation in VATS. However, hypoxaemia during DLT intubation poses a threat to the perioperative safety of thoracic surgery patients. Recently, transnasal high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) has shown promise in anaesthesia, particularly in handling short-duration hypoxic airway emergencies. Yet, its application in the perioperative period for patients undergoing pulmonary surgery with compromised cardiopulmonary function lacks evidence, and there are limited reliable clinical data. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective, randomised, controlled, single-blind design will be employed in this study. 112 patients aged 18-60 years undergoing elective VATS-assisted pulmonary surgery will be enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the nasal high-flow oxygen group (H group) and the traditional mask transnasal oxygen group (M group) in a 1:1 ratio. HFNO will be used during DLT intubation for the prevention of asphyxia in group H, while conventional intubation procedures will be followed by group M. Comparison will be made between the two groups in terms of minimum oxygen saturation during intubation, hypoxaemia incidence during intubation, perioperative complications and postoperative hospital days. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval for this study has been granted by the local ethics committee at Shenzhen Second People's Hospital. The trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05666908.

N95 respirators alter facial skin physiological functions and lipidome composition in health care personnel.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, wearing medical respirators and masks was essential to prevent transmission. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effects of N95 mask usage by measuring facial skin biophysical characteristics and changes in the lipidome. METHODS: Sixty healthy volunteers wore N95 respirators for 3 or 6 h. Facial images were acquired and physiological parameters were measured in specific facial areas, before and after mask-wearing. Lipidome analysis was also performed. RESULTS: After N95 respirator usage, facial erythema was observed in both the 3 and 6 h groups. Both sebum secretion and trans-epidermal water loss increased significantly in mask-covered cheeks and chins after 6 h of mask wearing compared with before mask wearing (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis revealed significant differences in lipid composition after mask wearing compared with before. The ceramide subclass NS exhibited a positive correlation with stratum corneum hydration, whereas the AP subclass was negatively correlated with trans-epidermal water loss in the 6 h group. CONCLUSION: Prolonged wear of N95 respirators may impair facial skin function and alter lipidome composition.

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

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.

Effects of prolonged face mask use among patients with hypertension or diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the impacts of prolonged mask use on patients with hypertension or diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study included patients with hypertension or diabetes who visited the outpatient department of Nanjing Yimin Hospital between 1 February 2022 and 31 January 2023. We compared the change in blood pressure (BP) and fasting plasma glucose in patients with hypertension or diabetes and adjustments to treatment between the group with prolonged mask-wearing group (≥20 hours/week) and the control group (<20 hours/week). RESULTS: Compared with the control group of hypertensive patients, the prolonged mask-wearing group had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). These two groups had had similar DBP and MAP 1 year earlier. Likewise, the prolonged mask-wearing group of patients with diabetes had a greater need than the control group for upgraded treatment to reach their therapeutic goals. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that prolonged mask use by patients with hypertension or diabetes has negative effects on hypertension and plasma glucose control. BP and plasma glucose monitoring should be improved in these patient populations and their treatment should be adjusted in a timely manner.

Exploring adolescents' experiences of continuing to wear face masks during COVID-19: A qualitative descriptive study in Barcelona (Spain).

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the use of face masks as a social distancing measure. Although evidence supports their effectiveness in preventing infection, it remains unclear why some adolescents choose to continue wearing them postpandemic, even when it is no longer mandatory. This study aims to explore adolescents' experiences of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic when their use was no longer mandatory. METHOD: In this exploratory qualitative study, data were collected from 16 adolescents through face-to-face semistructured interviews. The participants were asked about the reasons and feelings associated with continuing to wear masks, as well as the contexts in which they felt safe without a mask. The collected data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) Navigating complex decision-making: balancing safety and self-image, (2) peer influence dynamics and (3) managing the future: weather dynamics and pandemic evolution. DISCUSSION: The potential implications of withdrawing COVID-19 preventive measures, such as mask-wearing, beyond the pandemic remain understudied. It is crucial to further investigate the perceptions related to wearing masks and its cessation, especially amongst vulnerable individuals. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Due to methodological constraints associated with participants' age, they were not engaged in the design, data analysis, data interpretation or manuscript preparation phases of the study.

Does the use of surgical face masks reduce postoperative infections in traumatic wounds sutured outside hospital? A randomized study at a Norwegian casualty center.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if wearing surgical face mask by doctors and nurses during suturing of traumatic wounds has any impact on postoperative infection rate. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study with masked or unmasked health personnel groups. SETTING: A Norwegian Minor Injury Department. SUBJECTS: Adult patients with traumatic wounds sutured at the clinic between 7 October 2019 and 28 May 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative infections of sutured wounds. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five patients with 176 wounds were included in the study. Nine out of 88 wounds (10.2%) in the masked group and 11 out of 88 wounds in the unmasked group (12.5%) had a wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher percentage of postoperative infections in the unmasked than in the masked group (12.5% versus 10.2%), the difference was not statistically significant (p = .6). This might imply that the use of facemasks during suture of traumatic wounds in an outpatient setting does not significantly reduce the number of infections. However, due to the covid pandemic, the study had to be prematurely stopped before the planned number of participants had been recruited (n = 594). This increases the risk of type II error.

Few studies from hospital setting have found significant difference in postoperative wound infections if surgical face masks were worn or not during surgery.High quality studies about face masks and wound infections from primary care are lacking.This randomized study at a minor injury department outside hospital found no significant difference in frequency of postoperative wound infection if health personnel had worn surgical face masks or not while suturing traumatic wounds.