Examination of Physiological Changes Seen in Workers Using Breathing Masks During COVID-۱۹ Pandemic

Background: There are very few studies in the literature evaluating the effects of mask use on physiological parameters.Objectives: This study aims to examine physiological changes due to masks in healthcare workers who use respiratory masks for long hours in the emergency room during the pandemic process.Methods: Cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out with healthcare professionals with an FFP۲ type valve mask. The participants’ transcutaneous oxygen saturation, pulse, and respiratory rate were measured before wearing the respirator mask and at ۳۰ and ۶۰ minutes after wearing the mask.Results: SPO۲ values of the participants decreased gradually at ۰th, ۳۰th, and ۶۰th minutes and respiratory rate increased gradually at ۰th, ۳۰th, and ۶۰th minutes. The statistically significant difference arises from the ۰ and ۶۰ minutes values. Higher SPO۲ values were found at ۰ and ۳۰ minutes in non-smokers. SPO۲ value gradually decreased in non-smokers at ۰, ۳۰, and ۶۰ minutes, but no significant decrease was observed in non-smokers. Pulse rate was found to be higher at ۶۰th minute compared to ۰th minute in non-smokers. No significant difference was found between smokers and non-smokers. The respiratory rate gradually increased in smokers at ۰th, ۳۰th, and ۶۰th minutes. SPO۲ values were lower at the ۶۰th minute compared to the ۰th minute in both women and men. There was no significant difference in pulse rates. Respiratory rate was found to be higher at ۶۰th minute in men than at ۰th minute.Conclusion: It is recommended to follow the physiological parameters and to regulate the working conditions when necessary.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ pandemic , Pandemics , N۹۵ FFRs , respiration , Vital signs