MAYKU Mask Study

The study is a Leicester University-UP collaboration of the COPC Research Unit. It involves the use of a low cost reusable and protective face mask design developed through a UK Royal Academy of Engineering program with engineers at the University of Leeds and Mayku limited (Project Care). Masks are produced by a Tshwane-based company, Eco-V to investigate its potential use in Melusi.

The work is part of a longer term program aimed at supporting control of respiratory infections in resource poor communities under development by UP and UoL. Household study: Following a period of CHW training workshops and questionnaire development, households in Melusi will be approached and invited to participate in a study on respiratory infection in the context of the pandemic. The overall aim will be to understand how best to enable households to protect themselves.

Participants are randomized to Mayku masks (group 1) or cloth masks (group 2) and households interested but unwilling to engage with the mask study (group 3) are offered the opportunity to receive regular visits and respiratory infection monitoring (target 128 households). All households are provided with the same advice on infection protection, including appropriate use of masks. All groups are advised on symptoms/signs that should lead them to seek medical advice. A baseline dried blood spot (DBS) sample is taken from all participants.  On enrollment, groups 1 and 2 are assessed for appropriate mask size and informed that the study will commence on the next visit.

Each household will be involved for 13 weeks, week 1 instruction enrolment and mask supply, then biweekly visits up to week 13. On visit 2 masks and instructions are provided and a baseline questionnaire taken. At each visit, an assessment of mask use by all individuals (≥5yrs) and any evidence of respiratory infection documented. Availability of masks is checked and exchanges made where necessary. The Mayku Mask filters (stored in sample bags) are collected and exchanged at the time of visits or when a visit is requested, and submitted to a designated lab at Steve Biko hospital for SARS-CoV-2 analysis and storage of extracted nucleic acid.  On the final visit, an overall assessment of mask use is made and a final DBS sample taken.