Andrejko, K. L., Pry, J. M., Myers, J. F., Fukui, N., DeGuzman, J. L., Openshaw, J., Watt, J. P., Lewnard, J. A., Jain, S., Abdulrahim, Y., Barbaduomo, C. M., Bermejo, M. I., Cheunkarndee, J., Cornejo, A. F., Corredor, S., Dabbagh, N., Dong, Z. N., Dyke, A., & Fang, A. T. (2022). Effectiveness of face mask or respirator use in indoor public settings for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection — California, February–December 2021. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 71(6), 212–216.
The study under review examines the effectiveness of face masks and respirators in preventing the spread of COVID-19. It is argued that the consistent use of face coverings, alongside other measures, results in a lower risk of infection acquisition. The authors focus on a single topic, discussing various types of masks and respirators. In summary, the paper highlights the importance of wearing face masks in indoor public settings.
The selected article is an extremely valuable resource, as it provides evidence on the effectiveness of different face coverings. This information helps shape the argument that face masks are critical to preventing illness in children. Specifically, the authors’ data can be used in the proposed project to support the varying levels of protection offered by face masks. Overall, the paper reinforces the central idea that face masks are an efficient preventive measure against COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Balestracci, B., La Regina, M., Di Sessa, D., Mucci, N., Angelone, F. D., D’Ecclesia, A., Fineschi, V., Di Tommaso, M., Corbetta, L., Lachman, P., Orlandini, F., Tanzini, M., Tartaglia, R., & Squizzato, A. (2023). Patient safety implications of wearing a face mask for prevention in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and consensus recommendations. Internal and Emergency Medicine, 18(1), 275–296.
The paper examines the impact of face masks on patients’ health, safety, and well-being. The authors cover several topics, including the physical and psychological side effects of face and mouth coverings, their effectiveness, and the impact of these coverings on communication. It is argued that continuous wear of face masks is not recommended, and taking frequent breathing breaks is necessary to prevent side effects. Overall, it is highlighted that, as medical devices, face masks are characterized by both advantages and disadvantages.
The paper is helpful to the proposed research project and contributes to forming the argument that face coverings effectively prevent the spread of diseases. The article highlights that excessive mask use can lead to numerous side effects. This source helped shape the understanding that masks are medical equipment and that patients should be educated about their use.
Escandón, K., Rasmussen, A. L., Bogoch, I., Murray, E. J., Escandón, K., Popescu, S. V., & Kindrachuk, J. (2020). COVID-19 false dichotomies and a comprehensive review of the evidence regarding public health, COVID-19 symptomatology, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, mask wearing, and reinfection. BMC Infectious Diseases, 21(1), 710–757.
The primary goal of this article is to address the false dichotomies surrounding the COVID-19 problem. Specifically, Escandón et al. (2020) focus on health and economy, lockdowns, symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19, means of transmission, face masks, and reinfection. For example, it is noted that the use of face coverings remains a contentious issue, with scientific evidence often being intertwined with moralistic stances. Overall, the authors argue that carefully crafted, evidence-based communication with the public is required to approach the perpetuated false dichotomies.
The article addresses a wide array of themes, helping to understand how false narratives surrounding a medical issue can shape people’s behavior and choices. It helps argue that face masks can effectively prevent illness in children and that it is critical to develop a personalized approach for each patient. The article can serve as background information to help readers understand the controversy surrounding the topic. The study highlights that the subject should be approached from different perspectives as it remains highly contentious.
Freiberg, A., Horvath, K., Hahne, T. M., Drössler, S., Kämpf, D., Spura, A., Buhs, B., Reibling, N., De Bock, F., Apfelbacher, C., & Seidler, A. (2021). Beeinflussung der psychosozialen Entwicklung von Kindern und Jugendlichen durch das Tragen von Gesichtsmasken im öffentlichen Raum zur Prävention von Infektionskrankheiten: Ein systematischer Review [Impact of wearing face masks in public to prevent infectious diseases on the psychosocial development in children and adolescents: a systematic review]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt – Gesundheitsforschung – Gesundheitsschutz, 64(12), 1592–1602.
The study examines the effect of wearing face coverings on the psychosocial development of children and adolescents. It is argued that face masks profoundly impact children and their development due to hindered facial expression processing. In their research, the authors cover the psychological, language, socio-emotional, and social development of children and teenagers who wear masks in public. The article emphasizes that face masks can substantially impact children and urges for more qualitative studies to be carried out on the topic.
The source provides valuable information as it pertains directly to the impact of face mask-wearing on children. The study helps shape the argument that face coverings should be used sparingly in children. Thus, the data on the impact of face masks on different aspects of childhood development will be utilized in the project. Overall, the paper at issue emphasizes that the selected research topic should account for both the physical and psychosocial impact of face masks on children.
Matuschek, C., Moll, F., Fangerau, H., Fischer, J. C., Zänker, K., Van Griensven, M., Schneider, M., Kindgen-Milles, D., Knoefel, W. T., Lichtenberg, A., Tamaskovics, B., Djiepmo-Njanang, F. J., Budach, W., Corradini, S., Häussinger, D., Feldt, T., Jensen, B., Pelka, R., Orth, K., … Haussmann, J. (2020). Face Masks: Benefits and Risks During the COVID-19 Crisis. European Journal of Medical Research, 35(1), 32.
The article under consideration argues that the use of mouth and nose coverings (MNCs) is positively correlated with preventing the spread of airborne infections, particularly during close contact. The authors note that different covering types offer varying levels of protection, with various kinds of face masks and their effectiveness being covered in the article. Additionally, the authors consider the side effects associated with face coverings. The study highlights the importance of wearing masks in community settings to reduce the incidence of community infections.
The source is highly informative and helps strengthen the argument that face masks can be highly beneficial for preventing illness in children. Data on the levels of protection offered by different types of face coverings can be used in the proposed project. The source highlights that face coverings should be used in specific circumstances to be effective in preventing disease spread, offering a unique perspective on the topic.