Knowledge and Practices Related to Burn First Aid among General Population in Saudi Arabia

Background: Burn injuries represent a common type of traumatic injuries. They may cause morbidity, mortality, or psychological and cosmetic problems. About 265 000 individuals die secondary to burns according to the WHO results. Simple first aids following a burn injury have been shown to improve the outcome.

Objectives: Evaluation of first aid knowledge about the management of burns among the general population in Saudi Arabia.

Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that assesses awareness regarding burn injury first aids among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a questionnaire formed of 18 questions about demographic data, burn first aid knowledge and practice. Burn first aid knowledge and practice parts of the survey assessed participants' knowledge regarding basics of burn first aid and when to seek medical assistance.

Results: 70.6% of the sample study has previous knowledge of applying first aid for burns. 62.8% of the sample study think it's wrong to put raw eggs or herbs on the wound. 51.04% of the sample study use honey while 30.73% of them use toothpaste to treat burns. 76.3% of the sample study think that jewelry and clothing should be removed from the affected area of burn.

Conclusion: 70.6% of Saudi population had basic knowledge regarding the first aid of burn, however, there are wrong beliefs about the benefit of using honey, toothpaste, and raw egg in case of burns. Raising awareness of community members about the benefits of first aids for burns is recommended.