Knowledge & awareness of burn first aid among health-care workers in Saudi Arabia: Are health-care workers in need for an effective educational program?

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of first aid for burns among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between September 2 and December 5, 2019, via a self-administered online questionnaire among healthcare workers at a university hospital. The questionnaire comprised 24 questions divided into two sections pertaining to demographics and first aid for burns. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: We included 1,438 respondents in this study. Females comprised 68.2% (982) of the respondents. A total of 513 respondents (35.7%) were medical students. The mean burn knowledge score of all respondents was 8.07 ± 2.03 out of 13. Interestingly, 940 individuals (65.4%) used traditional medications on the burn area. Knowledge regarding antibiotic use in burn injuries was poor—1,199 (82.3%) study participants agreed that antibiotics are beneficial in the case of burns, which is a wrong act. The mean knowledge score was significantly different across groups of different ages, sexes, nationalities, marital statuses, and job positions ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: The level of awareness of first aid for burn patients among healthcare workers was insufficient, and the unnecessary use of traditional medicines and antibiotics in burn patients being high. Moreover, this study confirmed the need for an effective educational program among healthcare workers.

Population Awareness and Attitude towards First Aid in Burn in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia – A Cross Sectional Study

“…Fast and prompt management of burns is essential for a better outcome of burned subjects. Therefore, appropriate first aid treatment can decrease significantly the situation of the burns and enhance the survival from the burn [17,18,19]. Community awareness progrmames for first aid burn injuries towards the general population have a great impact on educating peple towards how to react to burn injuries [20].…”

“…Among Medical Students, King Khalid University in Abha and Princess Norah University in Riyadh, studies showed poor knowledge about first aid among the medical students [15][16][17]. Even among health care providers, Studied reported limited knowledge of burn first aid with several using of traditional remedies [18,19]. Training can help in burn management as trained students in Secondary School in Taif showed better deal with emergency situations compared to untrained students [20].…”

Evaluation of Perception, Awareness, and Practices Related to Burns First Aid: Largest Cross-Sectional Study Among Non-Healthcare Providers in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

“…The questionnaire was formulated based on our study's objectives and available questionnaire with similar objectives [ 1 ]. A language translation specialist translated the questionnaire into Arabic.…”

“…Burn-related injuries occur when one or more of the skin's layers ruptures by hot liquids, hot solids, or a flame. Additionally, 'burn' is a term used to describe damage to the skin brought on by radiation, electricity, or chemicals [ 1 ]. Burn injuries are among the most expensive and catastrophic public-health issues because of the severe physical, functional, and psychological effects [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Knowledge and Practice of Burn Management Among Physicians Using Burn Manikin in Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…The first aid for burns field was not sufficiently understood or perceived by the healthcare professionals, despite their good attitudes toward it. Additionally, Hatan Mortada 2020 reaffirmed the need for an efficient educational program for healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge and comprehension of first aid for burns, which would subsequently boost the success and availability of the best possible care for the patients [10].…”