RT Journal Article
T1 The use of masks to protect against respiratory infections: an umbrella review.
T2 El uso de las mascarillas en la protección de las infecciones respiratorias: una revisión de revisiones.
A1 Olry de Labry-Lima, Antonio
A1 Bermúdez-Tamayo, Clara
A1 Martinez-Olmos, José
A1 Martin-Ruiz, Eva
K1 Evidence
K1 Evidencia
K1 Infecciones de tracto respiratorio
K1 Mascarillas
K1 Masks
K1 Respiratory tract infections
K1 Revisión de revisiones
K1 Umbrella review
AB The global health emergency caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in a huge challenge at all levels. The use of masks may reduce the spread of the infection by minimising the excretion of Flügge droplets. The objective of this study was to compile the evidence available on the use of masks in relation to respiratory infections. An umbrella review (review of systematic reviews) was conducted. Two reviewers independently carried out the screening process, data extraction and data analysis. Discrepancies were resolved with a third reviewer, and the assessment of the risk of bias of the studies was carried out using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The Rayyan QCRI program was used for the screening process. A total of eight systematic reviews were included. The studies analysed the use of masks in the general population, in long-term care facilities, in hospitals and at mass gatherings, and compared the effectiveness thereof in preventing infection. The results of this review revealed that the use of masks is associated with a protective effect against respiratory infections in healthcare facilities, in long-term care facilities and at mass gatherings. In light of the results, it seems reasonable to recommend the use of masks to the general population, but this use should be accompanied by a training programme to improve compliance, as not using them properly may increase the risk of infection.
YR 2020
FD 2020-10-20
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10668/25499
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10668/25499
LA en
LA es
DS RISalud
RD Apr 17, 2025