EFFECT OF WEARING DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACE MASKS FOR PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME ON BREATHLESSNESS & PERCEPTION IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS - AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background- The coronavirus disease, which originated in the city of Wuhan, China, has quickly spread to various countries, with many cases having been reported worldwide. As of May 8th, 2020, in India, 56,342 positive cases have been reported. Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. HCWs need to wear the mask for prolonged period of time as they come in contact with various people and so there are many adverse effects of the mask on the body such as breathlessness etc. Masks include mainly 3 types: N-95 respirators, surgical masks, cloth masks. Methods-The study was conducted at vikhe patil medical hospital and college of Physiotherapy, Ahmednagar.Pre and Post experiences of breathlessness and perception were compared. Result- We have analyzed that N-95 Respirators cause maximum Breathlessness compared to Surgical and cloth masks. In case of feeling stress, N-95 Respirators were the major reason, followed by Surgical Masks.Surgical and N95 Respirators create equal difficulties in communication.Causing pain on posterior aspect of the ear, as well as headache is seen more in N-95 respirators. But while using masks, N-95 has created less agitation compared to Surgical and Cloth Masks. Conclusion- We can conclude that even N-95 is major cause of difficulties, Other masks are creating near about same difficulties but N-95 gives maximum safety. So,preferring N-95 Respirators is a good choice even after having more difficulties.