Real work experiences, practices and adverse events associated with long term usage of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic – A cross-sectional survey amongst Indian physicians

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v12i3.41915

Keywords:

N95 respirator, COVID-19, India, Adverse effects, Personal Protection Equipment

Abstract

Introduction: Doctors are at increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus, and use of N95 respirators has emerged as a key preventive measure. This study aimed to study the real-world experiences, practices and adverse effects of N95 respirator usage amongst doctors of India.

Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021. Real-world usage characteristics of N-95 respirators were collected via a pre-validated questionnaire (use, reuse, wearing and disposal practices) and compared amongst different sub-cohorts.

Results: 453 responses from physicians were analyzed. The most important adjunct to the N95 respirator perceived by the respondents was the full-face shield (81.9%). Most doctors had to purchase extra mask per month (median = 5) and this was more amongst the medical specialties (p = 0.006). Highest mean VAS scores for adverse events were reported for breathing on exertion (6.62 ± 2.25) and ear pain (6.34 ± 2.69). VAS ear pain was higher in ages < 40 and doctors working in the public sector (p = 0.017 and p = 0.019 respectively).

Conclusion: There are many inadequacies with regard to proper mask removal and doffing techniques among doctors in India. The major adverse effects faced by the doctors on prolonged mask usage were ear pain and breathing on exertion. However, it can be noted in spite of these deficiencies; there is generally good adherence to protocols and good practices of mask usage in hospital setting.

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Author Biographies

Renoy Henry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

E-mail: renoyah@aims.amrita.edu

Smitha Krishnamoorthy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

E-mail: smithakm@aims.amrita.edu

Anjali Ravikumar, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

E-mail: sathyravikumar@gmail.com

Manu Pradeep, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

Tutor, Department of Pharmacology Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

E-mail: drmanupradeep24@gmail.com

Dakshin Sitaram Padmanabhan, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

House Surgeon, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

Raviraj Menon, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

Email: ravirajmenon@gmail.com

Sandeep Surendran, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

Assistant Professor, Department of Rheumatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

E-mail: sandysurendran@gmail.com

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Published

2022-06-27

How to Cite

Henry, R., Krishnamoorthy, S., Ravikumar, A., Pradeep, M., Padmanabhan, D. S., Menon, R., & Surendran, S. (2022). Real work experiences, practices and adverse events associated with long term usage of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic – A cross-sectional survey amongst Indian physicians. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 12(3), 163–170. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v12i3.41915

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Original Articles