The Level of School Teachers' Knowledge About First-Aid Management and Control of Epistaxis in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Awareness of First Aid Management of Epistaxis in Children Among Parents in Arar, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Epistaxis is a relatively common condition, particularly among children, necessitating that parents be well informed about its effective management.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to explore the current level of awareness among parents in the Arar region, Saudi Arabia, regarding the first aid management of epistaxis and to highlight the importance of education in empowering parents to handle such situations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey distributed among the Arar population (aged >18 years) who had at least one child and were willing to participate. Data were collected between mid-July and the end of September 2023 using a self-administered questionnaire, which included a consent form, sociodemographic and background items, and epistaxis knowledge-related questions.

RESULTS

A total of 342 participants (27.8% males) completed the questionnaire. It was observed that 47.4% of the participants' children had experienced epistaxis. Only around half of them (n=84; 51.9%) had received first aid management for epistaxis, and only 40.4% of the parents correctly identified all the necessary steps for managing it through first aid. There was inadequate knowledge regarding the causes/risk factors and appropriate first aid techniques for epistaxis. Certain sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with better knowledge of first aid management of epistaxis, such as female gender (p = 0.003), older participants (p = 0.002), and a higher educational level (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study found low awareness of first aid management of epistaxis among parents residing in Arar, Saudi Arabia. Factors related to the demographic characteristics of the study participants were associated with this level of knowledge. These findings emphasize the need to improve awareness about first aid management of epistaxis, particularly among younger individuals, males, and those with limited education. Effective interventions should be developed to enhance first aid training, considering the specific risk factors associated with epistaxis.

Assessment of Public Knowledge and Awareness on First-Aid Management of Epistaxis in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Epistaxis is a common medical problem requiring first aid. However, public awareness of proper first-aid techniques for epistaxis is limited. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes toward first-aid epistaxis management among the general population in the Makkah region.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 1,259 participants from various regions in Makkah. The survey assessed participants' epidemiological information, experience with epistaxis, and knowledge of proper first-aid techniques. The knowledge scores were calculated and categorized as either good or poor. Associations between the variables and predictors of good knowledge were analyzed.

RESULT

Overall knowledge of proper epistaxis first aid was poor, with only 467 (37.1%) demonstrating good knowledge. Women, healthcare workers, and those with prior epistaxis showed higher odds of having good knowledge than their counterparts. Relatives/friends and social media were cited as the main knowledge sources, rather than healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION

Public awareness of appropriate first-aid epistaxis techniques in Makkah is inadequate. Targeted educational interventions involving healthcare providers are needed to improve the first-aid management of this common medical issue.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Awareness of and Attitudes Toward Epistaxis

Epistaxis, commonly known as nasal bleeding, ranks among the most prevalent emergencies encountered in otorhinolaryngology. The etiology of epistaxis is multifaceted, arising from both local and systemic factors. In Saudi Arabia, a country with a relatively high prevalence of epistaxis, understanding the level of awareness and attitudes toward first aid management of epistaxis is of paramount importance. This systematic review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by evaluating the awareness of and attitudes toward epistaxis first aid in Saudi Arabia. This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive electronic search was executed across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, encompassing studies published between January 2015 and July 2023. The study included exclusively cross-sectional studies, assessing awareness and attitude toward epistaxis first aid in Saudi Arabia across all populations and studies in English. The 17 selected studies were all published after October 2017, with three published in the year of this systematic review (2023). Sample sizes exhibited substantial variability, ranging from 57 to 2,441 individuals. Despite widespread awareness of epistaxis, the general population often disregards it as a minor health issue. This discrepancy highlights the importance of addressing epistaxis seriously, given the potential for severe bleeding as a medical emergency. The review of 17 studies revealed significant variations in epistaxis awareness levels, influenced by factors such as age, gender, and varying sample sizes. Notably, higher awareness levels were observed in studies involving the general Saudi population and those employing self-administered questionnaires. The average awareness and knowledge of epistaxis and its management among Saudi residents were moderate, with an estimated awareness level of 63%. A large-scale epidemiological survey, considering sociodemographic factors, is recommended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of epistaxis awareness.

Awareness of Epistaxis and Its First Aid Management Among Teachers Working in Schools of Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Background Epistaxis (nosebleed) is a frequent emergency presentation in the emergency department (ED). Generally, any harm to the nasal mucosa lining can lead the nose to bleed. The etiologies of epistaxis are widely classified as environmental, local, systemic, and medication-related causes. The initial management for epistaxis is first aid. First aid by applying pressure on the nostrils is essential to stop the bleeding and minimize discomfort. This study intends to evaluate teachers' awareness regarding epistaxis first aid management inside schools in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among a target of 439 teachers regarding epistaxis first aid management inside schools in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. Results Of the teachers, 50.7% had received training regarding epistaxis, while 49.3% had never been trained. Also, 73.3% considered that applying nasal compression may help stop bleeding, while the rest were completely unaware. On further investigation, tilting the head forward would be done by 56.27% of the teachers, while 40.73% said that the head should be tilted back. Of the teachers, 53.3% would go to the emergency if bleeding continued for more than 10 minutes. No association between age, gender, and working area, and training received regarding the management of epistaxis was found (p>0.05), but teachers from a scientific background, as compared to those from a literature background, were able to answer better regarding the management of epistaxis (p<0.05). Conclusion The study highlights knowledge gaps regarding epistaxis first aid management inside schools in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. The research highlights the need for focused training programs and awareness efforts to enhance teachers' knowledge and first aid practices. Addressing misknowledge and mispractices, enhancing the practices and attitudes of healthcare providers toward appropriate feeding practices, and promoting a supportive and safe environment could all contribute to the improvement of quality of life and health among the population of Saudi Arabia.