The prevalence of facial pressure injuries among nurses during COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship to COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of facial pressure injuries related to personal protective equipment use in nurses and the relationship with getting COVID-19 infection.

Design: The study used descriptive and correlational online survey design.

Methods: Nurses in Turkey were recruited via an electronic link sent to their social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), WhatsApp, and e-mail during the study: March-April 2021. Of them, 603 participants completed the survey form from all over Turkey.

Results/findings: Facial pressure injuries develop in nurses due to use of personal protective equipment. The rates of facial pressure injuries were higher in the nurses who were younger (p=0.002) and those who had less experience years (p=0.005) than the other nurses. The statistically significant variables were determined as age, status of using face shield, status of wearing overalls and status of wearing shoe covers (p<0.05). We determined that facial pressure injuries were not significantly associated with getting COVID-19 infection (p>0,05).

Conclusions: This study showed that facial pressure injuries associated with personal protective equipment use among nurses, who work on the frontlines in the COVID-19 pandemic period, is highly prevalent. Experiencing facial pressure injuries did not have a significant effect on the participants' statuses of getting infected with COVID-19. Providing training in health institutions may present an effective strategy in lowering problems.

Keywords: COVID-19; Facial pressure injuries; Nursing; Personal protective equipment.