Abstract
Purpose: To study different mask types’ impact on a sinonasal quality of life.
Methods: For this observational cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was distributed via social media forums. We used the validated Hebrew version of the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 followed by a questionnaire developed specifically for the present study, focusing on the time of the COVID-19 pandemic (Mask Sinonasal Outcome Test), and questions regarding general health issues. The participants’ mask-wearing routine was also studied.
Results: Seventy percent of 351 participants had experienced a change in their breathing during the time of the pandemic. The median total Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 score was 13, and 10% of the participants reported a significantly impaired quality of life. According to multivariate analyses, the only subject-related variables significantly associated with the reduced sinonasal quality of life were female gender, younger age, a background of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, and the mask-wearing average daily duration. The mask sinonasal outcome test convergent validity was confirmed.
Conclusion: The majority of our survey’s responders, predominantly female and younger participants, reported reduced sinonasal quality of life in the COVID-19 pandemic period. It can be attributed to mask-wearing, especially for a prolonged time, irrespective of the existing mask type. These findings should encourage medical companies to produce more “airway-minded” personal protection equipment.
Keywords: COVID-19; Masks; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Sino-nasal outcome test.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, Masks, Quality of life, Questionnaires, Sino-nasal outcome test., 【초록키워드】 pandemic, cross-sectional, equipment, COVID-19 pandemic, Test, media, outcome, Mask, Health, female, age, Quality, questionnaire, Participants, average, female gender, participant, responders, multivariate analyses, variable, significantly, reported, reduced, median, majority, question, convergent validity, 【제목키워드】 COVID-19 pandemic, Face mask,