Mask-Related Headache Among Health Workers During COVID-19 Pandemics: Study from Somalia

Authors : Yavuz YÜCEL, Mohamed SHEİKH HASSAN, Ahmed Muhammad BASHİR, Nor Osman SİDOW, Mehmet Ufuk ALUÇLU

Pages : 421-425

Doi:10.54005/geneltip.1261054

View : 48 | Download : 55

Publication Date : 2023-08-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: After the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(COVID-19);, new headaches have been reported to develop or worsen among healthcare workers who regularly wear personal protective equipments. In this study, we investigated the possible relationship between de-novo insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(new-onset); headache features associated with the mask used and pre-existing and exacerbated headaches. It is the first study on this subject on behalf of Somalia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Mogadishu COVID-19 pandemic hospital, Somalia, with volunteer healthcare workers. Data were collected through a questionnaire. Participants were asked 15 questions in the survey and Pearson-chi-square test was used as statistics. Results: This study was conducted with 200 healthcare workers working in the hospital, 114 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(57%); were male, 86 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(43%); were female, and the mean age was 28. Participants 90 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(45%); used surgical masks, 32 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(16%); filtered masks insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(N95);, 78 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(39%); both; majority of 109 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(54.5%); wore masks for more than 6 hours a day. Pre-existing headache was reported by78insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(39%); of the subjects. 55insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(70%); of those with pre-existing headache reported aggravation of their headache. Statistically significant relationship was found between duration of mask use and aggravation of pre-existing headache. De-novo headache characteristics were throbbing 21insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(20%);, pressing 31insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(29%);, unilateral 19insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(18%);, and 35insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(33%); bilateral. A statistically significant relationship was also found between the duration of use of face mask and the development of de-novo headache, regardless of mask type. Conclusion: As per our study, prolonged use of face masks during COVID-19 pandemics was associated with de-novo headaches and exacerbation of pre-existing headache. This situation, which has caused complaints as healthcare professionals and some patients continue to wear masks, will continue to be investigated.
Keywords : Baş Ağrısı, Yüz Maskesi, COVID 19, Sağlık çalışanları, Somali