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KMID : 0895420140240040528
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Enviromental Hygiene
2014 Volume.24 No. 4 p.528 ~ p.535
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Comparison of Fit Factor for Healthcare Workers Before and After Training with the N95 Mask
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Kim Hyun-Wook
Baek Jung-Eun
Seo Hye-Kyung
Lee Jong-Eun
Myong Jun-Pyo
Lee Seung-Joo
Lee Jin-Ho
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Abstract
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Objectives: This study compares the differences of fit factors before and after training on the N95 mask. The results will be utilized to suggest the need of providing effective training on respirator use.
Methods: A total of 49 study subjects were tested, comprised of nurses from a general hospital and undergraduate nursing students from a medical school. Anthropometric measurements of face length and face width were compared with the NIOSH(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) panel. Fit factors(FF) were measured with TSI Portacount Pro+ 8038 before and after on-site training regarding the proper use of respirators. The FF pass/fail criterion was set at 100.
Results: Two subjects(4.1 %) passed the fit test before training on use of the N95. However, 36(73.5%) of the 49 passed the test after training. Overall the FF(GM(GSD)) was 13.4(3.2) before training, but improved to 106.6(2.1) after training, which was statistically significant. These findings suggest the efficacy of educational intervention, and the performance of the direct on-site training proved to be better than that of the traditional educational methods.
Conclusions: This study showed the effect of on-site training of the N95 respirator among health care workers(HCW). Therefore, providing effective training on the use of N95 for HCWs before their work assignments will greatly reduce exposure to harmful agents. It is recommended that fit testing be mandated to check for adequate protection being provided by the given respirators.
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KEYWORD
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healthcare workers, N95 mask, fit test, training
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