Awareness of First Aid Management of Epistaxis in Children Among Parents in Arar, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Epistaxis is a relatively common condition, particularly among children, necessitating that parents be well informed about its effective management. Objectives: This study aims to explore the current level of awareness among parents in the Arar region, Saudi Arabia, regarding the first aid management of epistaxis and to highlight the importance of education in empowering parents to handle such situations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey distributed among the Arar population (aged >18 years) who had at least one child and were willing to participate. Data were collected between mid-July and the end of September 2023 using a self-administered questionnaire, which included a consent form, sociodemographic and background items, and epistaxis knowledge-related questions. Results: A total of 342 participants (27.8% males) completed the questionnaire. It was observed that 47.4% of the participants' children had experienced epistaxis. Only around half of them (n=84; 51.9%) had received first aid management for epistaxis, and only 40.4% of the parents correctly identified all the necessary steps for managing it through first aid. There was inadequate knowledge regarding the causes/risk factors and appropriate first aid techniques for epistaxis. Certain sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with better knowledge of first aid management of epistaxis, such as female gender (p = 0.003), older participants (p = 0.002), and a higher educational level (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study found low awareness of first aid management of epistaxis among parents residing in Arar, Saudi Arabia. Factors related to the demographic characteristics of the study participants were associated with this level of knowledge. These findings emphasize the need to improve awareness about first aid management of epistaxis, particularly among younger individuals, males, and those with limited education. Effective interventions should be developed to enhance first aid training, considering the specific risk factors associated with epistaxis.