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. 2023 Aug 2;15(8):e42879.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.42879. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Assessing the Knowledge and Practices of Burn First Aid in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed N Asiri  1 , Mohammed Y Bakhiet  2   3 , Mujib M Alzahrani  4 , Hashim A Alghamdi  4 , Marwan N Alsaedi  4 , Abdulmalek A Alshomrani  4 , Anwar A Alghamdi  4 , Tahani M Alghamdi  4
Affiliations

Assessing the Knowledge and Practices of Burn First Aid in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed N Asiri et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Burns are a prevalent type of injury that can result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Burn first aid knowledge is essential for reducing its complications and improving outcomes. However, evidence of the amount of burn first aid knowledge among the general population in many nations is sparse. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 346 persons over the age of 18 from the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. The participants' knowledge of first aid for burns, including the appropriate steps to take in the event of a burn, the types of burns, and the proper application of burn dressings was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Results The majority of participants (73.6%) had inadequate knowledge of first aid for burns, while only 26.4% had adequate knowledge. The most common misconception among participants was the use of toothpaste, honey, or ice for burn treatment, which is not recommended. Additionally, hot water was the main cause of burning in this study. Conclusions This study underscores the necessity for targeted education and awareness-raising activities to improve the general population's knowledge and habits about first aid for burns. Such programs can be tailored to clarify myths and misunderstandings regarding burn treatment and encourage evidence-based strategies for preventing and treating burns.

Keywords: al-baha; assessing; awareness; burn; first aid; knowledge.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Participants’ level of knowledge about first aid for burns.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Source of knowledge about first aid for burns.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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