Patient safety competence among nursing students in Shaqra University

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Background: Pediatric emergencies that need intervention are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. No study has assessed caregiver knowledge in dealing with those emergencies, but their appropriate early actions can reduce unpleasant outcomes. Objective: To assess Saudi caregiver knowledge in dealing with some pediatric emergency situations and to compare this knowledge with educational level, age, and gender. Methods: In this cross-sectional study survey, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to Saudi caregivers in common public places in Riyadh such as malls, hospitals, schools, and universities. The survey involved demographic variables and general information from caregivers that contributed in assessment of their knowledge and actions in dealing with emergencies. Results: A total of 380 Saudi caregivers participated in completing the questionnaire. Of these participants, 77.3% of themwere females and 22.6% were males of different ages and educational backgrounds. More than half of caregivers’ children had experienced an emergency situation in their lifetime. Burns were the most commonly experienced emergencies (31.3%), and 60.8% of caregivers knew the Red Crescent phone number. Recall of the number was higher in males (p = 0.0002) and caregivers in the 21-40 year old age group (p = 0.002). There was a considerable lack of caregiver knowledge in dealing with choking. For example, only 20.8% of participants answered child choking and coughing child questions correctly. Knowledge of how to deal with choking infants was higher in younger caregivers (p = 0.04), and in females (p = 0.04). Only 41.3% of caregivers answered a near drowning question correctly. People with higher education were more knowledgeable (p = 0.05), and 73.1% of caregivers did not identify the correct answer to the burning question. Conclusion: Pediatric emergencies are common. Caregiver knowledge in dealing with these emergencies is low. Thus, there is an urgent need to educate caregivers to prevent childhood morbidity and mortality.