Risk factors for development of personal protective equipment induced headache: e-survey of medical staff in Baltic states.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among medical personnel. The goal of this study was to determine the risk factors and frequency of PPE-induced headache during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

From January 25 to March 1, 2021, an anonymous online survey was undertaken in the Baltic states.

Results

In total, 2132 individuals participated. 52.3% experienced a PPE-induced headache. Usual onset time was between 2-3 h, lasting up to 1 h after PPE removal. The most common localization was in temporal and frontal regions. Headache usually occurred 2 to 3 days per week with an average pain score of 5.04 ± 1.80 points. Higher risk was associated with discomfort/pressure OR = 11.55, heat stress OR 

SUBMITTER: Jokubaitis M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9363870 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature