Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Epistaxis among the General Population of Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: epistaxis is a fairly common problem, which has been reported to be occurring in about 60% of the population. It defined as a bleeding from nose or nasal cavity and it is considered as one of the most common emergencies presenting in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department and Accident and Emergency Department worldwide. Objectives: this study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of the general population of Tabuk City, KSA towards epistaxis, its causes, and management. Materials and Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted on 540 participants of age less than 20 years to 51 and older in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by using a pre-designed online questionnaire, which was distributed among the general population of Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. Results: this study included 540 participants, 71.9% females and 28.1% males. Most of the participants (50.4%) were from 21 to 30 years. Epistaxis was found in 45.2% of them. Among participants, 34.8% knew that chronic diseases cause epistaxis, 42.2% stated that drugs cause epistaxis and 68.9% knew that excess nose manipulation caused epistaxis. Tilting the head forward was the best position to stop epistaxis which reported by 45.2% and 42.2% reported cartilage as a part of nose should be pressed on to stop epistaxis. There were no significant correlations between educational level and different knowledges of the causes and how to deal with epistaxis case (p>0.05). However, we found that there was a significant correlation with the action should be done if the epistaxis continues (p=0.001), the best position to stop epistaxis (p= 0.02) and nose manipulation as a cause of epistaxis (p=0.01). Conclusion: our results showed that high percent of the participants were suffering from nasal bleeding (Epistaxis) in Saudi Arabia. And there was good a knowledge about causes of epistaxis and how to deal with epistaxis cases.