Knowledge and attitude toward first aid: A cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates

Awareness of first aid among adults in Al-Ahsa City, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background

First-aid knowledge among the general public is critical for saving lives in medical emergencies before expert care arrives. However, studies show persistent gaps in layperson first-aid capacity worldwide. This study assessed first-aid knowledge and awareness among adults in Al-Ahsa City, Saudi Arabia, to identify strengths and weaknesses to guide tailored interventions.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 716 adults recruited through convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire collected sociodemographics and assessed knowledge across 12 first-aid scenarios involving bleeding control, burns, seizures, choking, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Results

Just 59.2% correctly identified direct pressure to stop bleeding, and 61.2% knew proper burn first aid. Only 52% recognized the pediatric CPR compression-to-ventilation ratio (15:2), and 36.2% identified the chest compression rate of 100/min. For choking, 73.9% endorsed abdominal thrusts for children, but only 60.9% knew backslaps for infants. Females scored higher on bleeding (94.5% vs 92.8% correct) and abdominal thrusts (83.6% vs 66.1%), while males were more knowledgeable on burns (70.4% vs 53.8%) and infant choking (81.1% vs 44.7%). Younger and more educated respondents had higher scores.

Conclusions

Major gaps exist in implementing proper first-aid techniques, especially differentiation by age. Deficits in direct bleeding control, high-quality CPR, and tailored pediatric care represent high-risk knowledge weaknesses in this population. Targeted education programs focused on skill-building in these areas, particularly for higher-risk demographics like the elderly and less educated, are critically needed to strengthen public preparedness and save lives. Findings provide key insights to inform evidence-based interventions.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward first aid management of choking hazards among Eastern Province Saudi adults: an observational study

Background and aim

Childhood choking is a global health concern that mainly affects children under the age of 5 years. The parent's and caretaker's responsibility is critical in the children's lives and can potentially influence the result of at-home injuries such as choking. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors of first aid management toward choking hazards among Saudi adults from the Eastern Province.

Methods

The present analytical study was carried out among 390 Saudi adults attending different primary health centers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. We used a standard and validated data research topic tool to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice. Spearman's correlation was applied to determine the correlation between each section, while binomial logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the associated factors.

Results

We observed knowledge, attitude, and practice scores in 43.3, 38.9, and 36.4% of the participants, respectively. Furthermore, positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (rho = 0.42, p = 0.001), between knowledge and practice (rho = 0.57, p = 0.001), and between attitude and practice (rho = 0.41, p = 0.001) were revealed in our survey. The knowledge of the participants was significantly higher with the age group of 30-40 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.67 (1.94-4.65), p = 0.001] and participants who received training in first aid management [AOR = 1.64 (1.12-2.49), p = 0.037]. This study found that males [AOR = 0.36 (0.21-0.63), p = 0.001] and those working in the private sector [AOR = 0.61 (0.31-0.87), p = 0.018] had significantly lower attitudes.

Conclusion

Our results underscore the importance of continuous health education initiatives and training courses at primary health care centers regarding first aid management of choking hazards to improve awareness and practices. Furthermore, we recommend prospective multicenter studies to address region-specific knowledge gaps.

An Online-Based Survey to Assess Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers to Perform First Aid after Road Accidents Conducted among Adult Jordanians

(1) Background: First aid administered during road accidents can save millions of lives. However, the knowledge and attitudes of the Jordanian population towards first aid are lacking. This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to performing first aid among the Jordanian population during road accidents. (2) Methods: An online questionnaire was developed and distributed using various Jordanian social media platforms. The questionnaire collected the participants' sociodemographic details and assessed their first aid knowledge, attitudes toward first aid, and barriers preventing the participants from performing first aid in emergencies. (3) Results: 732 participants participated in this study. The median knowledge score regarding first aid items was 9 (7-10) out of the maximum possible score of 15. The median first aid attitude score was 24 (22-27) out of a maximum possible score of 30. The most commonly reported barrier to performing first aid among the participants was "lack of first aid training" (76.78%), followed by "lack of knowledge about first aid" (75.81%) and "fear of performing first aid" (57.51%). The participants with lower income levels exhibited more negative attitudes towards first aid (4). Conclusions: This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced first aid training and awareness in Jordan. The participants' first-aid knowledge overall was limited, although positive attitudes toward first-aid delivery were observed. The findings emphasize the need for regular and structured first-aid training courses, addressing barriers such as fear and misinformation and ensuring accessibility across all socioeconomic levels to improve preparedness for road traffic accidents and other emergencies. This comprehensive approach can better equip the Jordanian population to effectively manage emergencies and improve public health outcomes.

Bridging the first-aid knowledge gap: a cross-sectional study of medical scope students in Syria

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Sufficient knowledge required to deal with emergencies at the accident site may not be found in most medical students due to the lack of effective first-aid training in most medical education curricula. This study aims to assess and evaluate medical students' knowledge level in providing first-aid care, especially first-year students.

METHODS

An electronic questionnaire was distributed via social media to 1,855 medical students in October 2020. The knowledge level was assessed based on scores obtained for each clinical scenario requiring first aid and classified as good, intermediate, or weak. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

The study found that academic year and specialization significantly influence medical students' first-aid knowledge level. However, demographic factors such as gender, university, marital status, housing status, work status, financial condition, and previous first-aid training did not show any significant effect.

CONCLUSION

The level of knowledge among Syrian medical students in providing first-aid care is somewhat limited. Therefore, first-aid courses should be made more accessible to these students, and their effectiveness should be ensured and maintained through frequent updates. Moreover, more attention should be placed on publicizing first-aid knowledge to make life-saving procedures attainable to anyone, anytime and anywhere.

Assessment of knowledge, readiness, and barriers hindering the performance of first aid measures in emergency situations among non-healthcare professionals of selected organizations of Udupi Taluk

BACKGROUND

A medical emergency is an unexpected event that poses a threat to one's health and safety. An individual who has received adequate first aid training is prepared to administer first aid promptly and effectively to a person in need until the arrival of medical assistance to prevent future problems that could result in disability or death. This study aims to assess the knowledge, readiness, and barriers to perform first aid measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive survey was used to collect data from 384 non-healthcare professionals of selected organizations of Udupi Taluk with the help of a structured questionnaire from January 21, 2022 to April 13, 2022. The self-structured tool was validated with experts from the subject areas and reliability was obtained by using the Split half method (0.78) for the knowledge questionnaire, readiness scale by using Cronbach's alpha and the reliability coefficient was 0.80, and barrier checklist was accomplished by a test-retest method and reliability coefficient of 0.76. Data was organized, and frequency, percentage, and Chi-square analysis were performed using SPSS 16.0 version (IBM Corporation Business analytics software portfolio).

RESULTS

The results revealed that out of 384 samples, 261 (68%) non-healthcare professionals had average first aid knowledge, and 359 (93.4%) of the samples were found to be willing to administer first aid in an emergency. The six hurdles identified to performing first aid were language 365 (95.1%), lack of information 344 (89.6%), lack of training 341 (88.8%), legal concerns 274 (71.4%), fear 230 (59.9%), and lack of confidence 68 (17.7%).

CONCLUSION

The first aid knowledge among non-healthcare workers is generally average. Thus, the readiness of the non-healthcare professionals can be enhanced by improving their knowledge and reducing the barriers perceived by the non-healthcare professionals to provide first aid during a medical emergency with the help of first aid training and reading materials.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards basic life support among graduating class health science and medical students at Dilla University; a cross sectional study

Introduction

Basic Life Support is a level of medical care Applied to victims of life-threatening illnesses and injuries before professional help is provided. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward Basic Life support in Graduating class of health science and medical students at Dilla university referral hospital.

Method

ology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on graduating class students of Dilla University, college of medicine and health science from September 10/2021 to December 13/2021. A total of 167 participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. A bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analysis were carried out.

Result

Among the study participants, 95 (56.9%) and 86(51.5%) have good knowledge and good practice towards basic life support respectively. Being trained for basic life support and advanced life support, exposure with the person in need of basic life support were found more knowledgeable with odd ratio of [AOR = 13.8, 95% CI (6.3–30.1)], [AOR = 27.7, 95% CI (6.4–119)] and [AOR = 15.7, 95% CI (6.6–37.5)]. Learning anesthesia increases knowledge about basic life support nearly two times [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (o.4–9.5)] when compared to medicine.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that nearly half of health science students in our hospital lack adequate knowledge and skills in BLS. Training on basic life support and advanced life support, learning in anesthesia and medicine departments, and exposure to the person in need of basic life support were significantly associated with high knowledge. To increase knowledge of BLS standardized Training and assessments are recommended.

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Basic Life Support refers to a medical care Applied to victims of life-threatening emergency.

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Students enrolled in different departments may have different level of knowledge and skill about basic life support.

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Basic training is associated with good knowledge and skill on basic life support.

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Basic life support should be part of medicine and health sciences program curriculum.

Determinants of knowledge and attitude toward first aid among final year students at technical and vocational schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Introduction:

Injuries among technical and vocational school students are considered one of the most serious health problems worldwide today. Getting injuries in a technical and vocational school are high as different machines are used. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and associated factors toward first aid among graduating students at technical and vocational schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

School-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2019. A simple random sampling technique was employed. Data were entered in Epi-info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were employed using a binary logistic regression model. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 are considered as factors significantly associated.

Results:

The result of this study reveals 53.2% and 60.3% of the respondents had good knowledge and favorable attitude, respectively. Training (adjusted odds ratio: 5.14; 95% confidence interval = (2.82, 9.38)), participating in school first aid club (adjusted odds ratio: 3.66; 95% confidence interval = (2.23, 6.00)), and mother’s level of education (adjusted odds ratio: 1.90; 95% confidence interval = (1.02, 3.55)) were significantly associated with knowledge. Being female (adjusted odds ratio = 2.10; 95% confidence interval = (1.24, 3.39)), training (adjusted odds ratio: 3.18; 95% confidence interval = (1.73, 5.82)), and participating in school first aid club (adjusted odds ratio: 4.82; 95% confidence interval = (2.98, 7.81)) were significantly associated with attitude.

Conclusion:

Only half and nearly two-thirds of the participants have good knowledge and favorable attitude, respectively. Training, participating in school first aid club, and having an educated mother increase the odds of having good knowledge. Being female, training, and participating in school first aid clubs increase the odds of a favorable attitude. Since first aid is a frontline and lifesaving intervention during life-threatening situations, it is better to give attention to enhance students’ knowledge and attitude toward first aid by giving training, establishing first aid clubs, and considering first aid courses to be included in the curriculum.

Determinants of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards first aid among kindergarten and elementary school teachers in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Injuries continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed and developing world. School-age children are more likely to experience unintentional injuries in the school, while they are playing and teachers are the primarily responsible body for keeping the welfare of the students. Knowing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of kindergarten and elementary school teachers towards first aid will be used as an input for policymakers to intervene and provide training. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors towards first aid among kindergarten and elementary school teachers in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 01 to 20, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was employed to recruit 346 participants. A structured pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered in Epi-info version 7, analyzed using SPSS version 21, and presented by frequencies, percentages, tables, and graphs. Bivariable relationships between the independent and outcome variable were investigated using a binary logistic regression model and a multivariable analysis was run to control potential confounding factors. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered as factors significantly associated and the strength of association was determined using an odds ratio with a 95% CI.

Results

Only 41.1% of the teachers had good knowledge of first aid. Nearly two-thirds (64.8%) of the teachers had a favorable attitude towards first aid. The majority (85.8%) of the teachers who faced a child in need of first aid in their school gave first aid. Factors like working experience [AOR: 2.45; 95% CI (1.26, 4.73)], school level [AOR: 4.72; 95% CI (1.96, 11.4)], school type [AOR: 4.23; 95% CI (2.07, 8.64)], and having information about first aid [AOR: 2.09; 95% CI (1.11, 3.92)] were significantly associated with knowledge. School-level [AOR = 5.4, 95% CI (2.18–11.67)], school type [AOR = 0.45, 95% CI (0.21–0.94)], and working experience [AOR = 0.33, 95% CI (0.13–0.86)] were the factors significantly associated with attitude.

Conclusion

Less than half and nearly two-thirds of the teachers had good knowledge and a favorable attitude towards first aid. The majority of the teachers who encountered a child in need of first aid gave first aid. Having higher working experience, working in elementary and private schools, and having previous information increases the odds of having good knowledge. Teachers who work in elementary and private schools and have the lower working experience had higher odds of favorable attitude towards first aid. It is better to give attention to the training of staff on first aid specifically for teachers working in kindergarten and governmental schools and new employees and consider integrating first aid in teachers’ training curriculum.

Basic Life Support Knowledge and Its Associated Factors Among a Non-Medical Population in Gondar Town, Ethiopia

Background

Different life-threatening accidents can happen anywhere at any time in our daily livings. In this study, the knowledge about basic life support was below average among the non-medical population.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess basic life support knowledge and its associated factors among non-medical population attending the outpatient department.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 15/2020 to February 30/2020. Systematic random sampling was employed to get representative samples. Data were collected by using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using a binary logistic regression model. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed. Those variables with P-values of ≤0.05 were considered significantly associated with the outcome variable.

Results

A total of 412 participants took part in the study with a response rate of 97.4%. Among the participants, 183 (44.4%) [95% CI (39.8–49.5)] were knowledgeable about basic life support. Age of 30–40 years was 50% [AOR=1.50, 95% CI (1.15–1.97)], the age of >40 years was 2.45 [AOR=2.45, 95 CI (1.53–3.91)], being male [AOR=2.22, 95% CI (1.41–3.49)], lived in the urban [AOR=1.66, 95% CI (1.25–3.56)], being trained [AOR=4.65, 95% CI (1.85–11.67)], ever heard about BLS and having exposure with the person in need of BLS [AOR=3.02, 95% CI (2.05–4.74)], and [AOR=2.59, 95% CI (1.69–3.98)] times more to be knowledgeable as compared with their counterparts.

Conclusion

The finding of this study demonstrated that knowledge score of the participants was below average. Therefore, there has to be more to do so as to scale up the knowledge of the community for reducing preventable deaths from unexpected emergency situations.

Medical Emergencies Requiring First Aid at Home: A Population-Based Survey Study

BACKGROUND

Most medical emergencies requiring first-aid occur at home. Little is known about the prevalence of these medical emergencies.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to describe medical emergencies occurring at people's homes requiring first aid; characteristics, burdens and impact on functional outcome, and to address the national public knowledge and practice of first aid.

METHOD

A confidential, cross-sectional survey, primarily based on the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross first aid guidelines, was conducted among adults (>18 years) from 12 educational centers, under the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic affairs, State of Kuwait.

RESULTS

A total of 3000 self-administered questionnaires were distributed from September 16 2019 to November 30, 2019. The response rate was 34% (n = 1033 participants) of which 1% (n = 11) were partially answered questionnaires leaving 1022 questionnaires for valid statistical analysis. The prevalence of medical emergencies was 118.5 out of 100000 per year and the level of public knowledge was 19%. Medical emergencies were more likely to occur in Hawali province (49%, n = 149), women were more likely to encounter medical emergencies (78%, n = 238). Victims above 18 years of age were more likely to experience hypoglycemia (39%, n = 55) and children were more likely to suffer from hypoglycemia (19%, n = 22) or burns (17%, n = 20). Compliance with First aid guidelines was seen in hypoglycemia (31%, n = 44) but lacking in burn incidents (44%, n = 15). Participants called the ambulance in seizures (50%, n = 13), with 62% of medical emergencies requiring attendance at a health-care facility and 29% requiring hospital admission. Of the victims, 15% missed school or a day of work, and 25% had impaired functional outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Medical emergencies occurring at home are relatively common in Kuwait, and public training on first aid is low. Kuwait has unique medical emergencies, with hypoglycemia, seizures and burns being the most frequent emergencies that occur at home. These emergencies cause a burden on the health-care system with a quarter of them having negative impact on the victim's functional outcome.