How face mask usage duration and type affect tear break-up time (TBUT): A survey of health professionals at Sanglah Hospital Denpasar

Abstract

Background: As society adapts to the new normal during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, face masks have become one of the health protocols required in the community, especially among health professionals. Wearing a mask regularly for an extended period may lead to dry eye symptoms, which cause discomfort and affect the quality of life. This study aimed to determine the association between the face mask usage duration and type with tear break-up time (TBUT) reduction among health professionals at Sanglah Hospital Denpasar. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022. A simple cluster random sampling method was used to obtain 107 health professionals who wore face masks, aged 21-55 years old, and were qualified for both the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were collected using a questionnaire and a TBUT test. A chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the association. The p<0.05 was significant. Results: TBUT reduction was experienced by 30 subjects (29%) after wearing face masks, with an average of about 6±4 seconds. The duration of mask usage ≥6.5 hours per day significantly increased the risk of TBUT reduction by 2.708 times higher than the duration <6.5 hours per day (AOR 2.708; 95% CI 1.099-6.673; p=0.027).  Using a non-N95 mask increased the risk of TBUT reduction by 4.545 times higher than the N95 mask (AOR 4.545, 95%CI 0.556-37.135; p=0.125). Conclusion: There was an association between face mask usage duration and type with TBUT reduction.