Efficacy of face-masks used in Uganda: a laboratory-based inquiry during the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
Background
With shortages of face-masks continuing to be reported worldwide, critical questions like whether or not there is an adequate alternative to commercially manufactured face-masks continue to linger especially in low- and middle-income settings. This study aimed at addressing this through testing and comparing various materials and forms of face-masks for filtration efficiency, breathability, microbial cleanliness, distance-dependent fitness, and re-usability of different face-masks procured from face-mask vendors in Kampala, Uganda.
Methods
This was a laboratory-based descriptive study that applied new protocols and already existing protocols with substantive modifications to ten different types of face-mask types each in quadruplicate to achieve each specified aim.
Results
Surgical face-masks had better filtration efficiency, distance-dependent fitness and breathability compared to other face-masks tested. Decontamination of these face-masks with 70% ethanol negatively affected their efficacy. Locally-made double layered face-masks had better: filtration efficiency, distance-dependent fitness and breathability compared to other locally-made cloth face-masks, and re-usability compared to all the face-mask types that had been tested.
Discussion/conclusions
Locally-made double layered cloth face-masks could serve as alternative face-masks especially for populations in low- and middle-income settings like Uganda while allowing restricted use of surgical face-masks and other respirators like the KN95 to high-risk groups only.
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