How face masks influence the sinonasal quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose To study different mask types’ impact on a sinonasal quality of life. Methods For this observational cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was distributed via social media forums. We used the validated Hebrew version of the Sinonasal Outcome Test–22 followed by a questionnaire developed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology 2021-12, Vol.278 (12), p.4805-4811
Main Authors: Primov-Fever, Adi, Amir, Ofer, Roziner, Ilan, Maoz-Segal, Ramit, Alon, Eran Emanuel, Yakirevitch, Arkadi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
COVID-19
Female
Head and Neck Surgery
Humans
Masks
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neurosurgery
Otorhinolaryngology
Pandemics
Quality of Life
Rhinology
SARS-CoV-2
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Summary:Purpose To study different mask types’ impact on a sinonasal quality of life. Methods For this observational cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was distributed via social media forums. We used the validated Hebrew version of the Sinonasal Outcome Test–22 followed by a questionnaire developed specifically for the present study, focusing on the time of the COVID-19 pandemic (Mask Sinonasal Outcome Test), and questions regarding general health issues. The participants’ mask-wearing routine was also studied. Results Seventy percent of 351 participants had experienced a change in their breathing during the time of the pandemic. The median total Sinonasal Outcome Test–22 score was 13, and 10% of the participants reported a significantly impaired quality of life. According to multivariate analyses, the only subject-related variables significantly associated with the reduced sinonasal quality of life were female gender, younger age, a background of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, and the mask-wearing average daily duration. The mask sinonasal outcome test convergent validity was confirmed. Conclusion The majority of our survey’s responders, predominantly female and younger participants, reported reduced sinonasal quality of life in the COVID-19 pandemic period. It can be attributed to mask-wearing, especially for a prolonged time, irrespective of the existing mask type. These findings should encourage medical companies to produce more “airway-minded” personal protection equipment.
ISSN:0937-4477
1434-4726
DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-06752-2