Adverse Effects of Personal Protective Equipment and Their Self-Practiced Preventive Strategies among the Covid-19 Frontline Health Care Workers

Abstract

Background

Owing to the highly contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among the healthcare workers (HCWs) is mandatory. However, PPE associated adverse effects are also there.

Objective

To study the adverse effects associated with PPE and their preventive measures amongst the HCWs.

Material and Methods

A descriptive study was conducted among 200 HCWs working in a Covid center of a tertiary care center. The participants were sent the questionnaires online. Some of them not having smart phones were interviewed telephonically. Their information profile, the various adverse effects associated with PPE, and the preventive measures being practiced by them were noted. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Total 97% HCWs reported adverse effects with hazmat suit; 96% with N 95 mask; 92% with goggle and 78% with gloves. The adverse effects associated with the prolonged use of the mask were erythema; erosions and scar at the nasal bridge; ear pain; difficulty in breathing; and headache. Sixty-seven percent of the participants had sweating with the use of gloves, which led to cutaneous exfoliation such as dry hands (55%) and skin itching (43%). Moisturizers and natural oils were used to prevent the dryness of hands. For the pressure related injury over the nasal bridge due to N95 mask, participants used to apply Band-Aid (adhesive bandage) and cotton dressing.

Conclusion

Adverse skin reactions related to PPE are common among HCWs. Comprehensive assessment of the skin condition and awareness on adverse skin reactions should be advocated.

Keywords:

• Health care workers
• COVID 19
• personal protective equipment
• adverse effects

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the participants who took part in this study.

Contribution of All Authors

Maninderdeep Kaur and Dr Ashok Kumar share equal first authorship.

Data Availability Statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the study findings are available within the article.

Disclaimer

The author states that the views expressed in this article are her own.

First Author

Maninderdeep Kaur and Dr Ashok Kumar – initiated and designed the research, collected and analyzed the data, wrote the paper, revised and edited the drafts, and finally approved the manuscript.

Disclosure Statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.