Effect of Wearing a Face Mask on Oxygen Saturation among Hemodialysis Patients Versus Healthy Staff Members

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt.

2 Lecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

3 Clinical instructor, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt.

4 Lecturer, Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Egypt.

5 Assistant professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing-Faculty of nursing-Assiut University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 represents a major threat to hemodialysis health life, due to their low immunity, it is essential to wear a face mask to protect them against the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: To evaluate the effect of wearing a face mask on oxygen saturation among hemodialysis patients versus healthy staff members.
Methods: Research design: a quasi-experimental research design Setting: dialysis units at Mansoura University and New General Mansoura hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample with a total of 190 patients was classified into two equal groups, entitled hemodialysis patients group and healthy staff members group, each group involved 95 participants. Tools: Tool I: A structured interview oxygen saturation assessment sheet. Tool II: Face Mask Perceptions Scale. Results: no significant difference in oxygen saturation during wearing masks compared to non-wearing masks in both groups. Conclusion: wearing different types of protective face masks had no effect on oxygen saturation among hemodialysis patients and healthy staff members. Recommendations: All hemodialysis patients and healthy staff members should wear a face mask in hemodialysis units or the public area as protection against COVID-19 infection.

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