Mask-associated de novo headache in healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to changes in the development of health care activities by health professionals. We analysed whether there is an association between the appearance of de novo headache according to the type of mask used, the related factors, as well as the impact of the headache on health professionals. Method: cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Extremadura, Spain. We administered an online questionnaire to healthcare workers during the period of maximum incidence of COVID-19 in our setting. Results: n=306, 244 women (79.7%), with an average age of 43 years (range 23-65). Of the total, 129 (42.2%) were physicians, 112 (36.6%) nurses and 65 (21.2%) other health workers. 208 (79.7%) used surgical masks and 53 (20.3%) used filtering masks. Of all those surveyed, 158 (51.6%) presented de novo headache. The occurrence of headache was independently associated with the use of a filtering mask, OR 2.14 (IC95% 1.07-4.32), being a nurse OR 2.09 (IC95% 1.18-3.72) or another health worker OR 6.94 (IC95% 3.01-16.04) or having a history of asthma OR 0.29 (IC95% 0.09-0.89). Depending on the type of mask used there were differences in headache intensity. And the impact of headache in the subjects who used a filtering mask was worse in the all aspects evaluated. Conclusions: The appearance of de novo headache is associated with the use of filtering masks and is more frequent in certain health care workers, causing a greater occupational, family, personal and social impact.

Headache related to mask use of healthcare workers in COVID-19 pandemic

“…An another study reported that an increase was observed in preexisting headache and work stress after mask use. In the same study, work stress was found to be higher in patients with de-novo headache than those without headache [3].…”

“…The number of studies on headache associated with mask use is very limited [ 2 - 4 ]. Several studies have described mask-associated de-novo headache [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…The number of studies on headache associated with mask use is very limited [ 2 - 4 ]. Several studies have described mask-associated de-novo headache [ 2 , 3 ]. It was reported that a significant increase was observed in headaches in people with pre-existing headache as well as an increase in analgesic drug use and a significant relationship was found between the use of other protective equipment, including goggles, and de-novo headache [ 2 ].…”

“…Köseoğlu Toksoy, et al are several studies showing the emergence of a new headaches due to the use of masks in healthcare workers [2][3][4]. The aim of this study is to investigate mask-related headache during the COVID-19 outbreak, and to determine its clinical features.…”

“…In particular, the long-term exposure of healthcare workers to masks and personal protective equipment can cause many complaints such as acne, skin breakdown, impaired cognition, and headache [ 1 ]. There are several studies showing the emergence of a new headaches due to the use of masks in healthcare workers [ 2 - 4 ]. The aim of this study is to investigate mask-related headache during the COVID-19 outbreak, and to determine its clinical features.…”