First Aid Knowledge Research Articles

TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN SISWA TENTANG TINDAKAN PERTOLONGAN PERTAMA PADA KECELAKAAN

Emergency situations require immediate action, as indicated by data from the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) showing a significant increase in injury rates in Indonesia, including West Kalimantan. Injuries are most common among individuals aged 15-24, with various types such as abrasions, cuts, sprains, and fractures. This research aimed to investigate students' knowledge of first aid measures at Mujahidin High School in Pontianak, with the hope of improving their understanding and preparedness in handling accidents in the school environment effectively. This study used a quantitative descriptive-analytic method with stratified random sampling, involving 245 students from grades X and XI. Data were collected through a questionnaire about first aid actions. The results showed that 47% of respondents had adequate first aid knowledge, 46% had good knowledge, and 7% had poor knowledge. In conclusion, the majority of students at SMA Mujahidin Pontianak have adequate knowledge of first aid.

DOKTER KECIL: STUDENT EMPOWERMENT THROUGH LEARNING FIRST AID SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE

Introduction: Knowledge and skills of simple first aid are packaged by the UKS program through the role of Dokter Kecil. Interactive learning using video, demonstration and simulation activities has increased first aid knowledge and skills in primary school students. The aim of this community service program was to increase first aid knowledge and skills of wound care, nosebleed and syncope in school age children. Methods: The community service was conducted at SDN Komplek Kenjeran II in Surabaya, Indonesia, involving 40 students from grades 3 to 5. The intervention was provided in a 4-hour session, using video demonstrations and hands-on simulation. Pre-test and post-test questionnaires measured students' knowledge and attitudes before and after the training. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The demographic characteristics of participants were dominated by the age 10 years (37.5%), in fourth grade (42.5%) and female (62.5%). The average pre-test knowledge score was 65 and pre-test attitude score was 76.4. After doing interactive learning, demonstrations and simulations, the average student post-test score experienced a significant increase, namely 84.5 in the knowledge and 89.7 in the attitude. Conclusion: The Dokter Kecil program significantly improved students’ skills and knowledge in managing wound care, nosebleeds, and syncope. This empowerment program demonstrates the effectiveness of interactive learning in fostering critical first aid skills in school-aged children. Regular updates to the training content are recommended to ensure ongoing relevance and efficacy.

Knowledge and Attitude of the First Aid Among School Teachers in Saudi Arabia: Systematic Review

Aim: Injury poses a serious threat to health as it is the main contributor to early mortality and morbidity as well as the main reasons for the death of adolescents. About one- third time of school children is spent in schools, where they are frequently in danger of accidents and medical issues. First-aid (FA) has been shown to be beneficial in the prevention and management of injuries. Teachers are the bystanders or first responders in case a mishap occurs in schools. It is therefore very crucial for teachers to have sound knowledge of first aid. This systematic review aims to assess the status of knowledge among Saudi Arabia school teachers and for studies to be conducted in future it aims to provide recommendations. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting the systematic review. For the search of relevant studies, the strategy of using text words and MeSH terms was included. The studies included in the review were cross-sectional studies and survey research studies. Studies in government as well as private schools of every level, primary, intermediate, secondary, higher secondary, in any part of Saudi Arabia with more than 100 subjects were included in the systematic review. Studies carried out on populations in school settings apart from teachers, such as sports instructors, helpers, or students were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using “the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for analytic cross-sectional studies”. Results: Twenty-nine studies were incorporated for assessment. Largest number of studies were conducted in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Questionnaires from previous studies were adapted in seventeen studies. Six studies utilized case-based questionnaires. 11 studies showed high risk of bias. Conclusion: The studies lacked well-developed, standard questionnaires containing uniformity in questions for similar kind of study. Level of knowledge was found to be low or barely adequate in major proportion of the studies

Twenty Years of International Research on First Aid: A Bibliometric Visualization of Scientific Outputs.

Although first aid research is a wide-ranging and diverse field within medical science, so far no attempts have been made to provide a holistic view of international scientific outputs in the first aid domain. To determine strategic directions for conducting future studies, it is important to understand the status of the research, including its frontiers and blind spots. This study explored the global landscape of first aid research using bibliometric visualization analysis of relevant literature published within the last 20 years. The search yielded a total of 2,057 relevant papers. There was a trend of increasing annual numbers of publications throughout the 20 year period. The following topics were identified as the mainstream directions of first aid research: cross-sectional studies on attitudes and knowledge of first aid; cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; bleeding and hemorrhage control; burns, scalds, and their management; envenomations and their management; and systematic evaluation of the scientific evidence. Evidence evaluation is one of the main frontiers of first aid research. Studies concerning first aid for the most common and deadliest diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke, are not in the scope of contemporary international first aid research. Considering that effective implementation of first aid can reduce morbidity and mortality, it is advisable to advance research on first aid management of major emergencies that are the most common potentially avoidable causes of death.

First-aid knowledge and practices towards patients with epileptic seizures among the dental students in Saudi Arabia – A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Dental care of patients with epilepsy and seizures must be performed by dentists who are familiar with these disorders. Improper training and incapability to manage medical emergencies, including epileptic seizures, may cause thoughtful consequences and legal actions. Therefore, dental students must have a proper knowledge of the disease and its consequences. They should have the ability to provide first-aid measures helping a patient experiencing an epileptic seizure in their clinics. This study aims to evaluate the first-aid knowledge and practices towards patients with epileptic seizures among the dental students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting dental students in Saudi Arabia from 15 September 2022 to 15 December 2022 using convenience sampling. An online questionnaire was sent to the students via social media platforms for data collection. The data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: Of the 499 dental students included, 154 (30.86%) students had ever seen an epileptic patient in the clinics. About 16% of students did not know about performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on patients. The majority (66.5%) would call the ambulance after the patient’s seizure stops. About 82% of students prefer to call an ambulance if the patients face difficulty breathing or waking up after the seizure. More than 60% of students were taking precautions before treating an epilepsy patient. About 58.5% of the students were using local anaesthesia for an epilepsy patient. Nearly 41.9% do not have the confidence to treat an epilepsy patient. About 28.0% would swipe the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) magnet over the left side of the chest. Of 154 students, who had ever seen epileptic patients, the majority (68.8%) refused to treat patients if they observe noncompliance with medication and follow-up among the patients who had any recent illness or seizures (16.2%). Conclusion: The undergraduate dental students had an intermediate knowledge regarding epilepsy and epileptic seizure first aid. However, some students lacked the confidence to deal with the epileptic cases in their clinics. Educational campaigns on epilepsy and first-aid courses targeting dental students are highly recommended.

Training experience is an important factor affecting willingness for bystander CPR and awareness of AED: a survey of residents from a province in Central China in 2023.

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) may improve survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CPR training experience and sociodemographic characteristics on bystander CPR willingness and AED awareness. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 3,569 residents in central China. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression modeling were used to investigate the effect of training experience and sociodemographic characteristics on knowledge of cardiac arrest first aid, awareness of AEDs, and willingness for bystander CPR. Of the 3,569 participants, nearly 52% were female, 69.6% were < 23 years old, 23.5% had CPR training and 22.1% had witnessed OHCA. Characteristics of increasing bystander CPR willingness included CPR training experience, male, witnessed OHCA but not acting, knowing whether family members have cardiac disease, older age (>40 years) and lower level of education. Farmers were the subgroup with the least awareness of AED and knowledge of first aid. In China, CPR training experience was an important factor in improving bystanders' CPR willingness, AED awareness and knowledge of cardiac arrest first aid. Additionally, having witnessed OHCA also had a positive effect on bystander CPR willingness.

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

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. 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). 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. 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.

The Effect of Mobile Application-Based Education on the Knowledge and Skills of First Aid for Traffic Accidents Among Adolescents at SMAN 1 Martapura, Banjar RegencyH

The Effect of Mobile Application-Based Education on the Knowledge and Skills of First Aid for Traffic Accidents Among Adolescents at SMAN 1 Martapura, Banjar RegencyH

Awareness of school teachers about students common emergencies during school time in the eastern region, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Schools have to ensure student safety and well-being. However, medical emergencies involving injuries are common, requiring teachers to provide prompt first aid before professional care arrives. This study assessed knowledge and awareness of first aid among school teachers to identify areas needing improvement. This cross-sectional study surveyed 371 teachers from the eastern region primary schools using a standardized questionnaire assessing first aid knowledge across areas like bleeding control, fractures, seizures, choking, and burns. Demographic factors were analyzed for correlations with knowledge levels. Pearson's Chi-square tests analyzed bivariate relationships comparing correct knowledge identification percentages across teacher sociodemographic. The level of statistical significance was at a P value <0.05 across tests. Only 157 teachers felt able to appropriately handle medical emergencies. Major knowledge gaps existed regarding airway obstruction and chemical injuries, with 168 unable to identify correct responses for choking first aid and 105 unsure of chemical burn management steps. Appropriate fracture management was lacking, with just 70 correctly endorsing nose pinch for nosebleeds. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge was inadequate, with 57 of teachers unaware of the basics. Teachers demonstrating higher knowledge levels overwhelmingly had prior first aid training (153, 66.5%) compared to untrained counterparts (89, 63.1%). The study revealed poor first aid knowledge among elementary school teachers for effectively managing child emergencies. Strategies enhancing delivery must address barriers around training access, knowledge attrition, and variability in baseline skills through sustainable system-wide policies applied nationally. Fulfilling schools' ethical obligations toward maintaining student safety requires urgent reforms to bolster emergency preparedness.

First-aid training for primary Healthcare providers on a remote Island: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundEnsuring ongoing first-aid training for primary healthcare providers (PHPs) is one of the critical strategies for providing quality health services and contributing to achieving universal health coverage. However, PHPs have received insufficient attention in terms of training and capacity building, especially in the remote areas of low-to-middle-income countries. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a first-aid training program for PHPs on a Vietnamese island and explored their perspectives and experiences regarding first-aid implementation.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted among 39 PHPs working in community healthcare centers. The quantitative method utilized a quasi-experimental design to evaluate participants’ first-aid knowledge at three time points: pre-training, immediately post-training, and three months post-training. Sixteen of the PHPs participated in subsequent semi-structured focus group interviews using the qualitative method. Quantitative data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsThe quantitative results showed a significant improvement in both the overall mean first-aid knowledge scores and the subdimensions of the first-aid knowledge scores among healthcare providers post-training. There was a statistically significant difference between the baseline and immediate posttest and follow-up knowledge scores (p < 0.001). However, the difference in knowledge scores between the immediate posttest and three-month follow-up was not significant (p > 0.05). Three main themes emerged from the focus group discussions: perception of first-aid in remote areas, facilitators and barriers. Participants identified barriers, including infrastructure limitations, shortage of the primary healthcare workforce, inadequate competencies, and insufficient resources. Conversely, receiving considerable support from colleagues and the benefits of communication technologies in implementing first aid were mentioned as facilitators. The training bolstered the participants’ confidence in their first-aid responses, and there was a desire for continued education.ConclusionsImplementing periodic first-aid refresher training for PHPs in a nationwide resource-limited setting can contribute significantly to achieving universal health coverage goals. This approach potentially enhances the preparedness of healthcare providers in these areas to deliver timely and effective first aid during emergencies, which may lead to more consistent primary healthcare services despite various challenges.

Differences in burn injury knowledge among reproductive-age women attending an urban and a semi-rural hospital in Northwest Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess burn injury knowledge and its predictors among reproductive-age women attending an urban and a semi-rural hospital in Northwest Nigeria DesignA descriptive cross-sectional study SettingIt was conducted in the general and paediatric outpatient clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano (urban setting) and the general outpatient, paediatric outpatient and antenatal clinics of Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kudu (semi-rural setting). ParticipantIn 2021, 362 women aged 18–44 years were randomly selected from clinic attendees over six weeks. Of them, 217 were from the urban hospital. Data regarding their sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of burn injuries was collected using a pretested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Outcome measureKnowledge of burn injuries ResultsAbout 83.4 %, 77.1 % and 77.6 % of respondents had adequate general, primary prevention and overall knowledge of burn injuries, respectively. Their mean overall knowledge score was 18.6 out of 24, but only 55.5 % had adequate first-aid knowledge. The study sites did not significantly differ in burns first-aid, prevention and overall knowledge scores. However, urban respondents were more ignorant about the cause of burns and knew that burn injuries could be fatal. More semi-rural respondents knew that flames and chemicals cause burn injuries. Predictors of overall knowledge were age, educational level, number of children in their household, previously seeing a burn-injured child, and primary source of burns-related information. ConclusionsThe proportion of respondents with adequate overall burn injury knowledge was high; however, knowledge gaps exist among them. Overall, their first-aid knowledge was relatively low. The urban and semi-rural respondents had no significant differences in first-aid, prevention, or overall knowledge of burn injuries. However, knowledge of the causes of burns and burn complications differed between the urban and semi-rural study locations. Therefore, the clinical settings of this study present opportunities for similar burn-related educational interventions.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice Regarding Psychological First Aid Among Secondary School Students in Erbil City.

Secondary school students in Erbil City face various stressors and challenges that may impact their mental well-being. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practical application of psychological first aid (PFA) among these students. This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 10th to June 25th, 2024, in six high schools in Erbil City, Iraq. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using two self-structured questionnaires, which included demographic information, a knowledge assessment, and a practical application assessment of PFA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Frequency and percentage were used for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables. Ordinal regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between demographic variables and PFA knowledge and practice. Spearman correlation was used to determine the relationship between knowledge and practice. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 412 students were enrolled in the study. The mean scores for knowledge and practice indicated fair levels, with mean scores of 7.66 ± 1.34 for knowledge and 7.01 ± 1.38 for practice. The analysis showed that 11 students (2.7%) had poor knowledge, 161 students (39.1%) had fair knowledge, and 240 students (58.2%) had good knowledge of PFA. In terms of practice, 15 students (3.6%) exhibited poor practice, 237 students (57.6%) demonstrated fair practice, and 160 students (38.8%) showed good practice of PFA. Significant associations were found between several demographic variables and PFA knowledge and practice. Males had higher knowledge scores (estimate = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.20, 2.24, P = 0.02), as did students from families with insufficient monthly income (estimate = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.10, 1.72, P = 0.03) and those residing in urban areas (estimate = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.17, 1.50, P = 0.01). For practice, the occupation of the father was significant, with unemployed fathers associated with lower practice scores (estimate = -1.08, 95% CI: -2.06, -0.09, P = 0.03). The study showed that students had fair knowledge and practice of PFA. To improve these scores, it is recommended that nurses and educators develop targeted interventions and training programs. These should focus on enhancing students' understanding and practical skills in PFA, ensuring they are better equipped to handle psychological distress among their peers.

Administration of Burns First Aid Treatment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in community settings

ObjectiveThis paper investigates Burn First Aid Treatment (BFAT) provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia at the scene of injury using data from a population-based cohort study. Study DesignThe participants were 208 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged < 16 years who sustained a burns injury between 2015–2018, and their carers. The primary outcome measure was gold standard BFAT, (defined as at least 20 min of cool, running water within 3 h of the injury); additional measures included type of first aid, length of first aid provided, and carer's knowledge of first aid. ResultsOf the 208 caregivers, 168 provided open-ended responses that indicated first aid was applied to their child; however, only 34 received gold standard BFAT at the scene of the injury, 110 did not receive correct BFAT, and 24 were unsure what first aid was applied. ConclusionThis study highlights an important need for communities to have access to appropriate evidence-based and co-designed BFAT education and training.

Improving the Snakebite Envenoming First Aid Treatment of Farmers in Rural Areas of Indonesia: An Educational Intervention Program

Introduction: Snakebite Envenoming (SBE) cases are a worldwide health problem. Farmers have a big risk of becoming victims of SBE. SBE management is an issue that needs to be resolved due to a lack of information regarding the appropriate management of SBE. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of educational intervention programs on the knowledge, attitude, practice, and self-efficacy of farmers toward SBE management. Methods: The design of this study was a non-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial design, applied to 80 farmers in six subdistricts from rural areas of Indonesia. A multistage sampling was used to select participants. Data collection tools included a three-part questionnaire that consisted of demographics, knowledge, self-efficacy, and an observation checklist for SBE first aid practices for farmers. Education and training sessions were carried out for eight weeks for the intervention group by providing eight sessions of education and training activities. The effectiveness of the intervention was analyzed using a dependent t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with p&lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results of this study showed that there were significant differences in knowledge, attitude, practice, and self-efficacy (p&lt;0.05) of farmers in SBE first aid before and after the program. The intervention group showed better results compared to the control group after the follow-up. Conclusion: The educational intervention programs using the digital health education method with snakebite first aid applications have proven positive effect in increasing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and self-efficacy of SBE first aid among farmers.

예비유아교사의 응급처치 지식수준과 교육실태 및 인식에 관한 연구

예비유아교사의 응급처치 지식수준과 교육실태 및 인식에 관한 연구

Pelatihan pertolongan pertama pada kasus patah tulang di lingkungan Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri 2 Kota Lubuklinggau

Accidents can happen unexpectedly and can happen anywhere, such as at home, on the street, including at school. One of the most common cases is a fracture. Knowledge of initial aid for fracture cases from teachers, employees, and even students is an essential point in preventing the worsening of the victim's condition before being taken to a health facility. It is necessary to increase knowledge of prevention and first aid in fracture cases at school by students and UKS coaches. The method of community service activities is education and training on first aid in fracture cases in schools, targeting UKS cadres. After the community service activities, the participant's knowledge about the first handling of fracture cases increased. The implication is that when there is a fracture victim, first aid measures can be given at the scene without waiting for the medical team to arrive.

Ocular injury first aid knowledge among primary school teachers in Qassim province: A cross-sectional study

Ocular injuries, a leading cause of monocular blindness, can be prevented through appropriate protective measures. This study evaluates the current state of knowledge and practices among primary school teachers in Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of first aid in ocular injury prevention. To assess knowledge and practices regarding ocular injuries and first aid among primary school teachers in Qassim province, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2023 in public schools across the Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. Information was collected using a self-administered questionnaire that assessed teachers’ knowledge and practices about ocular injuries first aid. Out of 986 teachers surveyed (99.6% response rate), 67.3% reported encountering ocular injuries in students. The most common injuries were eye trauma (62.5%) and foreign bodies (15.90%). The study revealed gaps in knowledge and preparedness, particularly in managing chemical burns, lacerations, and scratched eyes. Only 53.5% sought medical help in ocular emergencies, while a notable proportion needed more awareness of appropriate first aid measures. The study reveals a significant gap in Qassim Province primary schoolteachers’ knowledge of ocular injury first aid, necessitating urgent educational interventions to improve the handling of eye injuries. It emphasizes incorporating eye injury first aid into ongoing professional development, ensuring schoolteachers are prepared to effectively manage such potentially vision-threatening situations.

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.

Assessing Knowledge and First-aid Practice Scores of Caregivers of Epilepsy Patients Before and After an Educational Programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background Although epilepsy is one of the most prevalent and severe neurologic disorders, our knowledge of its intricate pathophysiology and skills to manage are still limited. Recognising its early signs and symptoms are crucial skills for caregivers of epileptic patients to acquire. This study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an education programme on improvement in the caregivers’ knowledge of epilepsy and first-aid practices. The findings will assist caregivers of children with seizures who frequently experience fear and anxiety relative to their perceived confidence to manage seizures. Education to caregivers could improve their perceived level of self-efficacy. Methods A community-based, pre- and post-intervention survey was conducted at neurologic care clinics across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The educational intervention was aimed at disseminating information via a short talk and video demonstration of epilepsy-related first-aid good practices. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Results Pre-intervention survey of 586 caregivers revealed that nearly 60% had inadequate knowledge of epilepsy; this was reduced to 23.2% after education. Similarly, 84% of caregivers had inadequate knowledge of first-aid practices before the educational intervention, but this was reduced to 32.4% after that. Having resided in the Western regions was a negative predictor of good first-aid practice knowledge scores, both before and after education. A university degree or higher education was positive predictor of higher knowledge scores both before (T=-4.564; p&lt;0.001) and after education (T=-2.775; p=0.025). The oldest caregivers (&gt;50 years) exhibited a significantly lower mean first-aid practice knowledge score (F=7.771; p=0.001). Conclusion Caregivers’ general and first-aid practice knowledge were generally poor prior to but were both markedly improved after educational interventions. Targeted educational health promotion could bring awareness to those with lower levels of education and older caregivers living in particularly the Western regions of Saudi Arabia. (255 words)

Assessment of knowledge towards first aid skills of epilepsy among undergraduate health students in Riyadh province of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundApplying proper first-aid measures to patients with seizure episodes plays a vital role in preventing the adverse consequences of seizures. Most previous data focused on teachers, healthcare providers and the general public. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of seizure first-aid measures among undergraduate health students. MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between May 16 and 31, 2023, with 493 undergraduate health students of Riyadh Province who answered online surveys. The data were collected using the descriptive information form. The chi-square (χ2) test was employed to compare knowledge of seizure first aid between demographic variables. The relationship between knowledge score and independent variables was evaluated using multiple linear regression technique. ResultsOnly 1.6 % of participants demonstrated good knowledge scores toward seizure first-aid measures. The skill most frequently reported was to remove all harmful objects from their vicinity and loosen the tight clothes around the neck during a seizure; 68.7 % of the participants correctly answered with agreed. Conversely, the skill that received the lowest knowledge score among participants was putting a piece object such as a cloth, wallet, or spoon between the teeth to prevent tongue biting during a seizure; only 37.3 % of the participants correctly answered with disagree. Moreover, participants in the advanced age group, medicine and fifth-year, were found to be significant predictors of knowledge and exhibited better knowledge scores toward seizure first aid measures than their peers (p < 0.001). Furthermore, lectures and books were identified (69.6 %) as the most common source of information about seizure first aid. ConclusionThe study concluded that most undergraduate health students demonstrated poor knowledge scores in delivering seizure first aid. This finding suggests that introducing epilepsy education from the first year in all health-related courses is crucial to improving overall awareness and skills in providing seizure first aid.