Face mask reduces risk of COVID-19 infection with 62%

Objectives:
Does wearing a face mask reduce risk of COVID-19 infection?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 6 studies, involving 4 countries.

Results and conclusions:                
The investigators found, in general, wearing a mask was associated with a significantly reduced risk of COVID-19 infection with 62% [OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.69, I2 = 54.1%].
Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust.

The investigators found, for the healthcare workers group, masks were shown to have a reduced risk of infection by nearly 70%.
Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust.

The investigators concluded this meta-analysis support the conclusion that wearing a face mask could reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Robust randomized trials are needed in the future to better provide evidence for these interventions.

Original title:
Face masks to prevent transmission of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Li Y, Liang M, […], Sun C.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33347937/

Additional information of El Mondo:
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