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BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has promoted a shortage of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and the emergence of new FFRs brands. We aimed to determine the fit provided by in-use FFRs in Peruvian healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We enrolled 279 HCWs from 37 primary healthcare centers with highest burden of care for TB in Peru, of which 263 were assessed using quantitative fit tests (QNFT). Results were expressed as real-time fit factor (rt-FF) and overall fit factor (overall-FF), which was categorized as ≥100 (optimal result), 50-99, and <50. RESULTS: We identified 3M 1860 FFRs (33.1%), Xiantao Zhong Yi ZYB-11 FFRs (24.6%) and Makrite 9500 FFRs (20.5%), mainly. Eighty-seven FFRs (33.1%) had an optimal overall-FF, 27 (10.3%) between 50-99, and 149 (56.6%) less than 50. Of the 87 FFRs with optimal overall-FF, 73 (83.9%) were 3M 1860 FFRs. Of the 27 FFRs with overall-FF between 50-99, 7 (25.9%) were Makrite 9500, while of the 149 with overall-FF less than 50, 58 (38.9%), and 47 (31.5%) were Xiantao Zhong Yi ZYB-11 and Makrite 9500, respectively. CONCLUSION: Xiantao Zhong Yi and Makrite FFRs do not adapt adequately to the face of Peruvian HCWs, most having fit factors less than 50.

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Objetivo: identificar as percepções dos trabalhadores do centro cirúrgico quanto ao uso da máscara N95 como Equipamento de Proteção Individual em relação à fumaça cirúrgica. Método: pesquisa qualitativa mediante entrevistas áudio-gravadas, com nove trabalhadores do Centro Cirúrgico de um hospital no norte do Paraná, Brasil. Questionou-se: qual a percepção dos trabalhadores expostos à fumaça cirúrgica em relação ao uso das máscaras N95? Foi utilizada a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: o estudo revela a fragilidade do conhecimento dos profissionais sobre a utilização da máscara N95 e sobre os riscos que estão expostos durante sua jornada de trabalho, quando expostos à fumaça cirúrgica. Assim como o desconforto pelo uso da máscara. Conclusão: sugere-se capacitação aos profissionais da saúde expostos à fumaça cirúrgica, onde possa ser esclarecido sobre o uso de Equipamento de Proteção Individual de forma correta e sua importância na prevenção para o desenvolvimento de doenças ocupacionais.

Objetivo: identificar las percepciones de los trabajadores del centro quirúrgico en cuanto al uso de la máscara N95 como Equipo de Protección Individual en relación al humo quirúrgico. Método: investigación cualitativa mediante entrevistas audio-grabadas, con nueve trabajadores del Centro Quirúrgico de un hospital en el norte de Paraná, Brasil. Se preguntó: ¿cuál es la percepción de los trabajadores expuestos al humo quirúrgico con respecto al uso de las máscaras N95? Se utilizó la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: el estudio revela la fragilidad del conocimiento de los profesionales sobre la utilización de la máscara N95 y sobre los riesgos que están expuestos durante su jornada de trabajo, cuando están expuestos al humo quirúrgico. Así como la incomodidad por el uso de la máscara. Conclusión: se sugiere capacitación a los profesionales de la salud expuestos a humo quirúrgico, donde pueda ser esclarecido sobre el uso de Equipo de Protección Individual de forma correcta y su importancia en la prevención para el desarrollo de enfermedades ocupacionales.

Objective: to identify the perceptions of surgical center workers regarding the use of the N95 mask as Personal Protection Equipment in relation to surgical smoke. Method: qualitative research through audio-recorded interviews with nine workers from the Surgical Center of a hospital in northern Paraná, Brazil. It was questioned: what is the perception of workers exposed to surgical smoke in relation to the use of N95 masks? The technique of content analysis was used. Results: the study reveals the fragility of professionals' knowledge about the use of the N95 mask and the risks they are exposed during their working day, when exposed to surgical smoke. As well as discomfort from wearing the mask. Conclusion: training for health professionals exposed to surgical smoke is suggested, where it can be clarified about the use of Personal Protective Equipment correctly and its importance in preventing the development of occupational diseases.

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Abstract Introduction Endotracheal intubation is a procedure associated with a high level of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. This has led to the search of alternatives to reduce the risk of contamination, including the so-called aerosol box. Objective To compare time and difficulty of orotracheal intubation when using the aerosol box in a simulated setting. Methodology Observational study conducted with the participation of 33 anesthetist physicians and anesthesia residents; groups were compared in terms of time and intubation difficulty using a conventional Macintosh laryngoscope and the McGRATH™ MAC (Medtronic) videolaryngoscope with or without aerosol box. In order to determine performance with the intubation maneuver, crude hazard ratios were estimated, and a Cox multivariate regression model was built, adjusted by anesthetist years of experience and difficulties during the procedure. Results On average, the aerosol box increased intubation time by 7.57 seconds (SD 8.33) when the videolaryngoscope was used, and by 6.62 (SD 5.74) with the Macintosh. Overall, 132 intubations were performed, with 121 successful and 6 failed first-time attempts (4 with the use of the aerosol box); 16 participants (48.48%) reported difficulty handling the box. With the use of the Macintosh, intubation was found to be faster than with the videolaryngoscope (cHR: 1.36 [95% CI 0.64-2.88]; adjusted HR: 2.20 [95% CI 0.73-6.62]). Conclusions The use of the aerosol box and personal protective equipment in a simulation setting hinders the intubation maneuver and may result in protracted execution time.

Resumen Introducción La intubación endotraqueal es un procedimiento que se relaciona con alto nivel de exposición al virus de COVID-19, llevando a la búsqueda de alternativas para disminuir el riesgo de contaminación, entre ellas la llamada Caja de aerosoles. Objetivo Comparar el tiempo y dificultad en la intubación orotraqueal usando la caja de aerosoles en escenarios simulados. Metodología Estudio observacional, con participación de 33 médicos anestesiólogos y residentes de anestesia; se compararon los grupos en tiempo y dificultad de intubación con uso de laringoscopio convencional Macintosh y videolaringoscopio McGRATH™ MAC (Medtronic) utilizando la caja de aerosoles y sin ella. Para determinar el rendimiento en la maniobra de intubación se calcularon Hazard ratios crudos, se construyó modelo multivariado de Regresion de Cox ajustado por años de experiencia como anestesiólogo y dificultades durante el procedimiento. Resultados La caja de aerosoles aumentó en promedio el tiempo en segundos para la intubación con video-laringoscopio en 7,57 (DE: 8,33) y con Macintosh 6,62 (DE: 5,74). Se llevaron a cabo 132 intubaciones, 121 exitosas en el primer intento y 6 fallidas (4 con el uso de la caja de aerosoles). 16 participantes reconocieron alguna dificultad al manipular la caja (48,48 %). Con el uso de Macintosh se identificó tendencia a la intubación más rápido que con el videolaringoscopio (HRc: 1,36 [IC 95 %: 0,64-2,88]; HR ajustado: 2,20 [IC 95 %: 0,73-6,62]). Conclusiones Utilizar la caja de aerosoles y equipo de protección personal en un escenario simulado dificulta la maniobra de intubación y puede prolongar el tiempo de ejecución.

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RESUMEN Objetivo: Desarrollar una metodología para evaluar el nivel de protección respiratoria de respiradores, mascarillas quirúrgicas y mascarillas comunitarias que usa la población peruana, usando partículas de un tamaño similar a las que contienen al virus activo del SARS-CoV-2. Materiales y métodos: Se ha determinado una relación lineal directa entre el logaritmo de la concentración de partículas suspendidas en aire y el tiempo transcurrido; por lo cual es posible comparar la cantidad de partículas internas y externas a la mascarilla o respirador en un mismo periodo y conocer el porcentaje de protección respiratoria de cada muestra evaluada. Resultados: Se ha logrado implementar una metodología para evaluar el nivel de protección respiratoria ante aerosoles menores a 5,0 µm. Asimismo, el empleo de accesorios como ligas o ajustadores detrás de cabeza y nuca, y el uso de clips nasales robustos, incrementan significativamente el nivel de protección respiratoria ante partículas con alta probabilidad de contener al SARS-CoV-2. Conclusiones: Se observa una concordancia entre los valores de protección respiratoria obtenidos y los esperados, considerando el nivel de filtración del material empleado de cada mascarilla quirúrgica o respirador, y su nivel de ajuste. Se observó un incremento significativo en los niveles de protección respiratoria.

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop a methodology for evaluating the level of respiratory protection provided by respirators, surgical masks and community face masks used by the Peruvian population; protection was evaluated against particles of a size similar to those containing active SARS-CoV-2 virus. Materials and methods: A direct linear relationship has been determined between the logarithm of the concentration of airborne particles and the elapsed time; thus, it is possible to compare the quantity of particles inside and outside of the mask or respirator in the same time period, as well as to obtain the percentage of respiratory protection for each evaluated sample. Results: A methodology was established to evaluate the level of respiratory protection against aerosols smaller than 5.0 μm. Also, the use of accessories such as rubber bands or adjusters behind the head and neck, and the use of robust nasal clips, significantly increased the level of respiratory protection against particles with a high probability of containing SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: We found concordance between the obtained respiratory protection values and those expected, considering the filtration level of the material used for each surgical mask or respirator, as well as the tightness. A significant increase in the levels of respiratory protection was observed.

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Communities living near active volcanoes may be exposed to respiratory hazards from volcanic ash. Understanding their perception of the risks and the actions they take to mitigate against those risks is important for developing effective communication strategies. To investigate this issue, the first comparative study of risk perceptions and use of respiratory protection was conducted on 2003 residents affected by active volcanoes from three countries: Japan (Sakurajima volcano), Indonesia (Merapi and Kelud volcanoes) and Mexico (Popocatépetl volcano). The study was designed to test the explanatory value of a theoretical framework which hypothesized that use of respiratory protection (i.e., facemask) would be motivated by two cognitive constructs from protection motivation theory: threat appraisal (i.e., perceptions of harm/ worry about ash inhalation) and coping appraisal (i.e., beliefs about mask efficacy). Using structural equation modelling (SEM), important differences in the predictive ability of the constructs were found between countries. For example, perceptions of harm/ worry were stronger predictors of mask use in Japan and Indonesia than they were in Mexico where beliefs about mask efficacy were more important. The SEM also identified differences in the demographic variants of mask use in each country and how they were mediated by the cognitive constructs. Findings such as these highlight the importance of contextualising our understanding of protection motivation and, thus, the value of developing targeted approaches to promote precautionary behaviour.

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Las dimensiones antropométricas faciales son usadas para predecir la talla del respirador de trabajadores expuestos a agentes químicos inhalatorios; sin embargo, la característica multirracial de la población peruana no ha sido evaluada respecto a las tallas de los respiradores en el mercado. Objetivo: Determinar si el uso de las dimensiones antropométricas faciales es útil para determinar la talla de los respiradores de media cara, en un grupo de trabajadores peruanos de construcción civil. Material y métodos: Estudio piloto, transversal, analítico, realizado en 117 trabajadores en quienes se utilizó la longitud de la cara y la anchura de la boca, para determinar la talla del respirador de media cara de tres marcas y su verificación con pruebas de ajuste. Se consideró los parámetros faciales porque son puntos sensibles de fuga de aire para las pruebas de ajuste. Resultados: La media de la longitud de la cara en 12,2 ± 0,6 cm y la media del ancho de la boca fue de 5,3 ± 0,6 cm. Luego se hacer las pruebas de ajuste, se observó que pasó satisfactoriamente la marca A, mientras que en las marcas B y C se obtuvo dificultad para el ajuste en varias variables. Conclusión: Las dimensiones antropométricas faciales pueden ser usadas para la selección de la talla del respirador, sin embargo, deberá considerarse la marca del respirador.

Facial anthropometric features are used to predict the size of respirators in workers exposed to inhalatory chemical products. However, the multiracial features of the Peruvian population has not been taken into account in this process. Objective: to determine whether the use of facial anthropometric measurements is useful to select the size of half-face respirators in civil construction workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 117 workers in whom the length of the face and widening of the mouth was used to determine the size of three half- face respirators. Results: Mean length of face was 12.2 ± 0.6 cm and mean of mouth widening was 5.3 ± 0.6 cm. After performing adjustment, only brand A passed the evaluation, the B and C brands had difficulties in adjusting to several variables. Conclusion: Facial anthropometric features can be used to select the size of respirators.