P-072 ENHANCING N95 RESPIRATOR PROFICIENCY AMONG THAI MEDICAL STUDENTS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract Introduction Medical students face risks from biological hazards, particularly airborne pathogens. While N95 respirators are generally provided, a Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) is not commonly implemented for medical students in Thailand. This study aims to assess the N95 respirator-wearing proficiency of clinical-year Thai medical students before and after RPP training. Method In 2023, an experimental study was conducted among Thai clinical medical students (years 4 to 6). Data on participants’ characteristics, including sex, height, weight, history of facial surgery, braces, and presence of a beard, were recorded. Pre-training fit tests were performed using a quantitative method. Subsequently, a 5-minute training program on correct respirator usage was provided. Participants repeated the respirator-wearing process and underwent post-training fit testing. Results All four phases of the quantitative fit and overall fit factor showed significant improvements post-training. The number of participants passing the fit test increased significantly from 19 to 42 in the overall fit factor. In the pre-training test, the lowest pass rate was in the talking domain, while in the post-training test, it was in the head up and down domain. The highest pass rate, both pre- and post-training, was observed in the head side-to-side domain. Discussion The fit test results demonstrate that educational training significantly enhances medical students’ ability to use respirators effectively. Conclusion This suggests the need for an educational program to teach all medical students proper respirator usage, potentially becoming a policy within the medical school curriculum.