Effective factors on not using the N95 respirators among health care workers: Application of Fuzzy Delphi and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP)

Abstract

Using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) including N95 respirators is one of the most important ways to protect health care workers (HCWs) against respiratory hazards. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the problems and obstacles in using N95 respirators among HCWs in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, problems and obstacles in using N95 respirators were identified and ranked by experts, using Fuzzy Delphi and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Additionally, HCWs were asked to give their opinions about obstacles in using N95 respirators in order to form an opinion. Of 15 important obstacles in using N95 respirators identified by Fuzzy Delphi method, 6 factors were entered into the FAHP model: heat around the face, inaccessibility to respirator, difficulty breathing, pressure on the nose, trouble communicating with patients and colleagues, and no one does it. Identified problems and obstacles in using N95 respirators could be controlled during the selection of respirators, as well as by training and administrative measures.

Prevalence of positive TST among healthcare workers in high-burden TB setting in Peru

“…The implementation of TB transmission control measures such as natural ventilation, a supply of N95 masks, and routine screening, is essential to protect HCWs and may decrease annual TB incidence by as much as 49, 27, and 81% in countries with low, intermediate, and high TB incidence, respectively [22]. Previously reported obstacles preventing the use of N95 masks identified by HCWs are heat around the face and inaccessibility to the masks [23]. Our study found that 60.3% of HCWs did not wear N95 masks because the health center failed to provide them.…”

Skin reactions to non‐glove personal protective equipment: an emerging issue in the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…In another study by Donovan et al, on the possible N95 mask reactions during the SARS epidemic in Toronto, urticarial facial eruption was reported in 3 patients, dermatitis in 5 patients and acute respiratory symptoms without skin lesions in 2 patients [4]. Pressure effect on the nose have also been reported as one of the 15 delphi measures that discouraged HCWs to use N95 respirator masks [5].…”

Prevalence of positive TST among Healthcare workers in a high-burden TB setting in Peru

“…The implementation of TB transmission control measures such as natural ventilation, supply of N95 masks and routine screening, is essential to protect HCWs and may decrease annual TB incidence by as much as 49%, 27%, and 81% in countries with low, intermediate, and high TB incidence, respectively [22]. A risk assessment of obstacles in using N95 masks among HCWs ranked heat around the face and inaccessibility to masks as the main reasons for not wearing protective gear [23].…”