Efficacy of face-masks used in Uganda: a laboratory-based inquiry during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background With shortages of face-masks continuing to be reported worldwide, critical questions like whether or not there is an adequate alternative to commercially manufactured face-masks continue to linger especially in low- and middle- income settings. This study aimed at addressing this through testing and comparing various materials and forms of face-masks for filtration efficiency, breathability, microbial cleanliness, distance-dependent fitness, and re-usability of different face-masks procured from face-mask vendors in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This was a laboratory-based descriptive study that applied new protocols and already existing protocols with substantive modifications to ten different types of face-mask types each in quadruplicate to achieve each specified aim. Results Surgical face-masks had better filtration efficiency, distance-dependent fitness and breathability compared to other face-masks tested. Decontamination of these face-masks with 70% ethanol negatively affected their efficacy. Locally-made double layered face-masks had better: filtration efficiency, distance-dependent fitness and breathability compared to other locally-made cloth face-masks, and re-usability compared to all the face-mask types that had been tested. Discussion/conclusions Locally-made double layered cloth face-masks could serve as alternative face-masks especially for populations in low- and middle- income settings like Uganda while allowing restricted use of surgical face-masks and other respirators like the KN95 to high-risk groups only.

An Assessment of the Level of Compliance to Guidelines for Prevention of Covid-19 in Public Places in Iganga district, Uganda

“…Furthermore, a synthesis of the literature on COVID-19 SOPs in Sub-Sahara Africa are in supports of the above explanation [3,13,14]. The banks and the employees therein could be very cautious to protect themselves and their families against COVID-19, this is in support of a study conducted in Uganda which reported that nearly all individuals reported having done something to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19 [6]. In addition, the banks could be complying with the COVID-19 SOPs because of the closed environmental conditions (air conditioners) for which its employees are exposed, which are generally riskier than open environments.…”

“…Since the research relied on observational method of data collection, there is need to conduct research on the factors associated with low level of compliance to COVID-19 SOPs among individuals in public places. Also, level of compliance in the risk groups for Covid-19 that is to say Health workers, security personals, cleaners and Boda bodas among others [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…The study was conducted in Iganga public places that included; gazetted markets, public transport stations and financial banks in the district. The researcher decided to use this area because it had a high population traffic and literature synthesis on COVID-19 reveals that the virus is spread fast where there is high population traffic [6], thus the choice of the study area.…”

An Assessment of the Level of Compliance to Guidelines for Prevention of Covid-19 in Public Places in Iganga District, Uganda

“…Furthermore, a synthesis of the literature on COVID-19 SOPs in Sub-Sahara Africa are in support of the above explanation , (Puspitasari et al, 2020). The banks and the employees therein could be very cautious to protect themselves and their families against COVID-19, this is in support of a study conducted in Uganda which reported that nearly all individuals reported having done something to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19 (Mboowa et al, 2020). In addition, the banks could be complying with the COVID-19 SOPs because of the closed environmental conditions (air conditioners) for which its employees are exposed, which are generally riskier than open environments.…”

“…The study was conducted in Iganga public places that included; gazzetted markets, public transport stations and financial banks in the district. The researcher decided to use this area because it had a high population traffic and literature synthesis on COVID-19 reveals 3 of 12 that the virus is spread fast where there is high population traffic (Mboowa et al, 2020), thus the choice of the study area.…”