Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward First Aid Management of Skin Burns in Saudi Arabia.

Mahdi Al Dhafiri,Zainab Y Al-Jaziri,Zainab A Alabdulmuhsin,Feroze Kaliyadan,Mohammed A Alghadeer,Zainab A Alaithan

doi:10.3390/clinpract12010013

Mahdi Al Dhafiri, Zainab Y Al-Jaziri + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract12010013

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Abstract

Background: Burns are considered a serious health affection that leads to several consequences affecting a person both physically and emotionally. Herbal and traditional medicine have become popular remedies among patients worldwide. Aim: This study explores common practices followed in burns as first aid management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia using a designed questionnaire distributed electronically through different social media. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic details, history of burns, causative material, and practices followed in response to burns. Results: 461 individuals have participated in this study. The commonest reason for burns was hot water or steam. The majority of the respondents (63%) had a satisfactory response to self-aid alone at home. The most common first aid options for managing burns at home were cold water alone 195 (42%), any sort of cream alone 177 (38%), or both 317 (69%). Overall, the result shows no statistically significant difference between the outcome of burn injury and the most commonly used burn aids. Conclusions: Most people use creams and water as the first-aid management of burns, while a good number of people use traditional medicine. Overall, people who receive hospital treatment after getting first aid at home give a better outcome.

Highlights

Burns are defined as any injury or damage to the human organic tissue, such as skin, primarily attributed to heat exposure in the form of scalds and flame
The purpose of our study is to evaluate the different traditional therapeutic interventions for skin burns and their outcome and the population’s belief and knowledge toward them in Saudi Arabia
The present study indicated that electrical burns were reported in 1.8% and chemical burns in 1.6%

Summary

Introduction

Burns are defined as any injury or damage to the human organic tissue, such as skin, primarily attributed to heat exposure in the form of scalds and flame. Radioactivity, electricity, friction, and chemical contacts are categorized as secondary attributions [1]. Burn wounds cause high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. People with burns are vulnerable to infections; over 75% of all burn deaths (after initial resuscitation) result from infection [2]. Antiseptics are topical agents that act to prevent the growth of micro-organisms. A wide range is used to prevent infection and promote the healing of burn wounds [1]

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