Major Update: Masks for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 in Health Care and Community Settings-Final Update of a Living, Rapid Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Optimal use of masks for preventing COVID-19 is unclear.

Purpose

To update an evidence synthesis on N95, surgical, and cloth mask effectiveness in community and health care settings for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, medRxiv (3 June 2022 to 2 January 2023), and reference lists.

Study selection

Randomized trials of interventions to increase mask use and risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and observational studies of mask use that controlled for potential confounders.

Data extraction

Two investigators sequentially abstracted study data and rated quality.

Data synthesis

Three randomized trials and 21 observational studies were included. In community settings, mask use may be associated with a small reduced risk f

SUBMITTER: Chou R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10234287 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature