Covid-19 Process; Psychophysiological Effects of Long Term Mask Use on Healthcare Workers

Objectives: Mask use is one of the most important protective equipment for healthcare workers since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic but it could be caused psychophysiological problems. Aim of this study, revealing he psychophysiological problems experienced by healthcare professionals regarding the use of masks. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study were conducted with 552 healthcare workers working of a hospital in Erzurum/Turkey between Dec 2021- Feb 2022. A questionnaire form including socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes towards mask use and psychophysiological characteristics was used as measuring tool. Results: 295 participants reported that nasal congestion and bad breath. Half of the them had facial irritation and 192 participants had vision problems. 106 participants stated that they were uncomfortable with the team members not wearing masks, 263 participants had negative thoughts about the use of masks, and experienced burnout. Participants stated that use of masks concerns among healthcare workers in terms of identity security. Conclusion: Long term use of masks causes important psychophysiological problems in healthcare workers. For this reason, hospital administrations and state administrators can take the necessary steps by taking this information as a reference and these results will be an example for other studies.