Downsides of face masks and possible mitigation strategies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To identify, appraise and synthesise studies evaluating the downsides of wearing face masks in any setting. We also discuss potential strategies to mitigate these downsides.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and EuropePMC were searched (inception-18 May 2020), and clinical registries were searched via CENTRAL. We also did a forward-backward citation search of the included studies.

Inclusion criteria

We included randomised controlled trials and observational studies comparing face mask use to any active intervention or to control.

Data extraction and analysis

Two author pairs independently screened articles for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. The primary outco

SUBMITTER: Bakhit M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7903088 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature