A cluster-randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of facemasks in preventing respiratory viral infection among Hajj pilgrims

Abstract

This trial will provide valuable evidence on the efficacy of standard facemask use in preventing viral respiratory tract infections at mass gatherings. This study is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN: ACTRN12613001018707 (http://www.anzctr.org.au).

Uptake and effectiveness of facemask against respiratory infections at mass gatherings: a systematic review

“…A large scale clustered RCT is currently in its final phase that will measure the efficacy of facemasks against both 'syndromic' and laboratoryconfirmed viral infections. 75 The full results of the trial, once available, are likely to provide firmer evidence on the usefulness of facemask against respiratory infections among attendees of MGs.…”

“…[42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][72][73][74] Metaanalysis of RCTs involving facemask in non-MGs showed efficacy against ILI but not against laboratory-confirmed influenza. 14,15,75 This study is the first focussed systematic review that describes both the uptake and effectiveness of facemasks against respiratory infections in MGs, and it compiles a data pool of 12710 participants originating from more than 50 countries. However, the main limitation is that most of the studies were of 'average' or 'below average' quality.…”

Hajj-associated viral respiratory infections: A systematic review

“…However, evidence of their effectiveness at the Hajj are limited and inconclusive and prospective cohort studies are required to confirm whether or not such non-pharmaceutical interventions are relevant for interrupting or reducing the spread of respiratory viruses during the annual Hajj pilgrimage [53]. A cluster-randomized controlled trial is being conducted to provide valuable evidence on the efficacy of facemasks in preventing viral respiratory tract infections during the Hajj [54].…”

Influenza vaccination among Saudi Hajj pilgrims: Revealing the uptake and vaccination barriers

“…Data for this study derived from a large cluster-randomised controlled trial involving Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and Australia that aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of facemasks against viral respiratory infections during Hajj. The detailed methodology has already been published elsewhere [40]. The study was conducted over three consecutive Hajj years, from 2013 to 2015.…”