Adverse Effects of Using Masks, Sanitizer, and Gloves Among Healthcare Workers In A Tertiary Care Center During the Covid-19 Pandemic A Questionnaire-Based Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The ongoing coronavirus pandemic was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China on December 2019. India reported its first case on January 30, 2020 in Kerala. As COVID-19 is mostly a droplet infection, it necessitates the use of masks, gloves, and sanitizers for containing its spread. This study aims to understand the potential adverse effects of constant use of masks, gloves, and sanitizers among healthcare workers (HCWs). Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 165 HCWs from a single tertiary healthcare center in Kerala using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20. Results: Among 165 participants, the most common adverse effects due to mask usage were dermatological in nature (57%). With regard to sanitizers, majority experienced dryness of hands (53.3%). Gloves were well tolerated with 62% of the participants reporting no adverse effects. Conclusion: Prolonged use of mask, sanitizer, and gloves has caused adverse effects in majority of HCWs surveyed. As the pandemic still stands as a crisis, it is necessary to identify solutions to manage these adverse effects for the betterment of the health of our HCWs.

Keywords

• adverse effects; covid-19; gloves; masks; sanitizer