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KMID : 1039220200300020124
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2020 Volume.30 No. 2 p.124 ~ p.133
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Fit Testing for Domestic N95 Medical Masks
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Seo Hye-Kyung
Kang Byoung-Kab
Kwon Young-Il
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Abstract
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Objectives: Mask fit is a crucial factor in preventing respiratory infections among healthcare workers. The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic calls for the replacement of imported N95 medical masks with domestic N95 versions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether these masks provide proper protection.
Methods: Thirty-five participants from three healthcare institutions donned four types of masks and Quantitative Fit Tests (Portacount, USA) were performed. The order of fit test for the four types of masks was randomized, and a three-minute washout period was applied between test times (2 min 29 sec) to reduce potential error stemming from physical exhaustion.
Results: There were no significant differences in the Fit Factor for the four types of masks, and there were no gender differences. However, the Fit Factor significantly differed across the three healthcare institutions (p=0.007). With eight of the 35 participants passing, the pass rate with the criteria of 100 or higher was 21%.
Conclusions: The mask used in this study was a new domestic N95 medical mask, and the participants were unfamiliar with how to wear it. They reported difficulties with mask fitting. In light of a previous finding that mask fit improved with frequently used masks, wearer preferred masks, or when masks that are regularly worn are used during fit training, the fact that participants were unfamiliar with the mask used in this study is a limitation that should not be overlooked.
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KEYWORD
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COVID-19, Fit Factor, hcws(healthcare workers), N95, Quantitative Fit Test(QNFT)
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