Knowledge and practices of primary school teachers about first aid management of minor injuries among children in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: While teachers have an abundant responsibility for teaching and guiding children in their academic and overall growth, previous studies have found out that the prevalence of first aid training among teachers is still low. Even though teachers act as the first line of defense in any health emergency. The present study aims at investigating the prevalence of knowledge among teachers on how to handle first aid procedures for basic and usual accidents and chronic diseases such as diabetes and epilepsy. Methodology: Quantitative observational cross-sectional study was carried out targeting the primary schools at Unaizah city, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. The sample included exclusively teachers enrolled in a systematic approach. A total of 315 subjects participated in the study. Results: Majority of the research participants were aged between 26 years and 50 years 291 (93.9%), with only 2.6% being aged 50 years or more. Most of the participants had bachelor degree as the highest education level 239 (77.3%), while there was only one participant with a Ph.D. While 44.2% of the teachers knew first aid education, 22.3% of the participants could confidently carry out first aid procedures. Three-quarters of the participants did know what to do after a pupil faints, while 47.7% of the teachers did know what to do in the event bleeding. Conclusions: Knowledge and education of what to do in an emergency that requires first aid appears to be not a problem in the primary schools surrounding Unaizah city, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. However, the present study still warrants practical training for the teachers on first aid procedures

Knowledge and attitude of paediatric first aid among elementary schoolteachers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…The data collection tool was developed and validated in a previous Saudi study. [ 19 ] The tool was an online datasheet, a questionnaire that have a set of questions that assess the knowledge and attitude of elementary school teachers on paediatric first aid knowledge and its administration.…”

First-Aid Knowledge and Attitudes of Schoolteachers in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

“…All studies were conducted in Saudi Arabia: five in Riyadh, 24–28 one in Jeddah, 29 three in Khamis Mushayat and Abha, 30–32 two in Makkah, 33 , 34 one in Dammam, 35 one in Arar, 36 one in Hail, 37 and one in Unaizah in the Qassim area. 38 The number of schoolteachers involved in these studies ranged from 100 to 1520, giving a total of 7266. Most studies (n=8) involved mixed-gender samples, three studies involved only males, and two studies involved only females.…”

“…The six cross-sectional studies on epilepsy first-aid knowledge and skills reported that most teachers had low-to-moderate knowledge about epilepsy management regarding students experiencing seizures. 28–30 , 34 , 36 , 38 In a recent study (2021) by Kanjo et al in Jeddah of 822 teachers, showed that approximately 14% had poor knowledge of epilepsy. 29 Regarding seizure first aid, participants answered questions assessing their responses during and after a seizure correctly, although the majority did not receive first-aid training.…”

“…In a study by Mansour et al in Unaizah in the Qassim area, three-quarters of the teachers knew what to do if a student fainted. 38 Although 44.2% of the teachers had received first aid training, only 22.3% were confident in their ability to provide first aid. 38 Similarly, a study by Aleid et al in Riyadh (n=305) found similar outcomes to the Qassim area study.…”

“… 100% Eroje et al (2021) 31 Abha Not reported M 191 Oral injuries Intermediate Not reported Not reported Cross-sectional Teachers’ knowledge about emergency oral injury management was inadequate. 63% Mansour et al (2019) 38 Unaizah in the Qassim area 26–50 Not reported 315 General emergencies, diabetes, and epilepsy Primary Bachelor: 77.3% Master: 2.9% Diploma: 19.4% Experience: 10–20 y 45.2% Cross-sectional Teachers’ knowledge and education about dental emergencies appeared to be not a problem. 38% Al‐Obaida (2010) 27 Riyadh 20–60 M/F 277 Dental emergencies Primary Experience: ≤5 y: 36.1% 5–10 y: 23.3% >10 y: 41.6% 17.8% Cross-sectional Teachers’ knowledge and awareness about dental emergencies were insufficient.…”