THE EFFECT OF SURGICAL MASK AND N95 MASK USE ON SURGICAL SMOKE IN OPERATING ROOM NURSES

This study was conducted to compare the effect of surgical mask and N95 mask use on physical symptoms due to surgical smoke in operating theatre nurses. The study, which was conducted in a single-group prospective quasi-experimental design, was completed with 38 nurses in the operating theatre unit of a state hospital in the Western Black Sea Region. Data were collected for four weeks using the Descriptive Information Form, Numerical Rating Scale and Symptom Follow-up Form. According to the findings, muscle weakness, myalgia in the upper extremities and muscle cramps were statistically significantly less in nurses using N95 masks. Respiratory parameters, watery eyes and redness were significantly lower in nurses using surgical masks. As a result, it was determined that the type of mask was effective on the incidence of physical symptoms related to surgical smoke.

NCT Number	NCT07404956
Lead Sponsor	Bartın Unıversity Collaborators: Bartin State Hospital
Conditions	Surgical Smoke Exposure, Occupational Exposure to Surgical Smoke, Headache, Dizziness, Nause and Vomiting, Fatigue Symptom, Eye Allergies, Abdominal Pain (AP) +5 more
Enrollment	38 participants
Start Date	2024-09-15
Primary Completion	2025-09-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-02-28 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-02-12