Eficacia de las mascarillas utilizadas habitualmente por podólogos en el servicio de quiropodía

Abstract

Introduction During the chiropody, organic aerosols with high infectious potential are generated. The CDC of Atlanta recommends the use of a filtering mask for health workers exposed to these aerosols. A fitting test measures the potential of a mask to form a seal with the user's face. It is known that podiatrists use filtering masks to a lesser extent than other types of simpler masks. Hypothesis The type of mask used by the podiatrist to perform the chiropody service is less effective than a type FFP3 because it allows the passage of more particles that can be inhaled by the professional. Goals Demonstrate the effectiveness of the masks commonly used by podiatrists by comparing their fit factor with that of another proposed mask and determine wich mask is the most appropriate to perform the chiropody service. Methodology A questionnaire is given and a quantitative fitting test is performed by particle count to each podiatrist (n=78), first with the mask usually used in consultation and then with one of the three proposed FFP3 filtering masks. The TSI PortaCount® Pro+8038 is used and a protocol proposed by OSHA is used to obtain the fit factor. The results obtained by the two types of masks are compared. The statistical analysis is performed with the software SPSS® v.23. A level of confidence of 95% is given and a critical level of significance p ¿ 0.05 is considered significant. Results 91% of podiatrists wear a surgical mask. The average value of the fit factor in the usual mask is 3.2 and in the proposal is 40.7. Conclusions Podiatrists are usually using inadequate masks since the overall fit factor of the proposed FFP3 mask is on average 12.6 times greater. One type of FFP3 mask is more suitable for use in the chiropody service than a type of surgical mask.