The Effect of Surgical Masks on Blood Oxygen Saturation Level, Heart Rate and Respiration Rate

Background: Using surgical masks during surgical procedures is imperative to mitigate the spread of infections. Nevertheless, extended use of these masks can potentially impact vital signs. This study aims to examine the impact of surgical masks on oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and heart rate among surgeons and operating room personnel. Methods: This before-after study involved 51 participants, consisting of operating room technicians and surgeons. The participants were required to wear a surgical mask continuously for at least 30 min, with strict guidelines against removing or adjusting the mask. The study assessed various metrics, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and well-being scale before and after mask usage. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 23. Results: The study found that the average age of the participants was 44 years old, with a standard deviation of 11.58 years. Of the participants, 58.8% were male and 41.2% were female. Wearing a surgical mask was shown to have a significant impact on oxygen saturation (p=0.003), respiratory rate (p<0.001), and heart rate per min (p<0.001). These physiological changes were not significantly correlated with age, gender, body mass index, or duration of surgery (p>0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that wearing a surgical mask can lead to changes in oxygen saturation and respiratory and cardiovascular parameters, regardless of individual characteristics or surgical factors.