Health Care : Current Reviews

Is masking in the community setting effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19

Joint Event 20^th World Congress on Infection Prevention and Control 14^th International Conference on Advances in Skin, Wound Care and Tissue Science

November 28-29, 2024 Paris, France

Gregory Wyche*, Carmen Martinez and Erika Valdez

Columbia University, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Health Care Curr Re

Abstract:

Prompted by recent media coverage of the Cochrane Review’s analysis of the efficacy of community masking in controlling COVID-19 spread, we conducted an independent literature review. Our search spanned PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published in English within the past five years that explicitly studied COVID-19. The guiding PICO question was: “Is masking in the community setting effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19?”. We identified six relevant studies; including cluster randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control studies, systematic reviews, cross-sectional studies, and retrospective cohort studies. Most studies were inconclusive regarding the efficacy of community masking. Studies reporting positive outcomes were limited by small sample sizes, restricting the generalizability of their findings. Interpretation of these studies is complicated by numerous confounding factors, such as enhanced hygiene practices, social distancing, school and business closures, modifications to mass gatherings, and travel restrictions. These concurrent public health measures make it challenging to isolate the specific impact of masking on disease transmission. The implications for clinical practice are significant. We live in a time where patients frequently conduct their research; clinicians must approach such topics with humility and without bias. We must acknowledge the limitations of current data and advocate for more rigorous, large-scale studies. Additionally, clinicians should guide patients in critically analyzing resources to make informed healthcare decisions. In summary, while current research on community masking’s efficacy in preventing COVID-19 transmission is inconclusive, it indicates the need for better-designed studies and informed clinical guidance.