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. 2025 Apr 30:13:1551197.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1551197. eCollection 2025.

Parental first aid literacy in epistaxis: do parents know what to do?

Alya AlZabin  1 , Ebtesam Almajed  1 , Reem AlTamimi  1 , Nuwayyir Abdullah Alqasimi  1 , Yasser Albalawi  2 , Nasser AlWehaibi  2
Affiliations

Parental first aid literacy in epistaxis: do parents know what to do?

Alya AlZabin et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Epistaxis is a common otorhinolaryngology emergency, especially among the pediatric population. While prompt first aid is essential, there is limited data on parents' knowledge regarding its management in Saudi Arabia. This study assessed parental literacy in epistaxis first aid and its correlation with sociodemographic factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted from May to June 2023, targeting parents of children aged ≤12 years across Saudi Arabia. Using a structured questionnaire, data on demographic characteristics and epistaxis first aid knowledge were collected from 777 participants. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were utilized for analysis.

Results: The majority of parents (79%) reported that their child had experienced epistaxis, and 72.7% considered it an emergency. However, knowledge gaps were evident: only 15.8% recognized posterior bleeds as life-threatening, and just 54.8% identified the correct position for managing epistaxis. Geographic disparities were noted, with parents in the South, East, and North showing lower literacy than those in the Western region. Additionally, male, non-Saudi, and postgraduate parents had reduced literacy regarding epistaxis prevention. A large proportion of parents relied on the internet for information, which may contribute to these gaps.

Conclusion: There is a significant need for targeted educational programs to improve parental knowledge of epistaxis first aid, particularly among specific demographic groups. Enhancing access to first-aid training and credible resources could improve emergency responses to epistaxis, mitigating risks and promoting safer outcomes for children.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; epistaxis; first aid; nosebleed; otorhinolaryngology; parents.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Knowledge about the source of information of epistaxis first aid.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Knowledge about the risk factors of epistaxis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Participants’ awareness about the time of ENT physician consultation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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