Enhancing pre-school teachers’ competence in managing pediatric injuries in Pemba Island, Zanzibar

Abstract

Background: Safe and healthy learning environment in pre-schools has received increased attention in promoting the well-being of pre-school children. However, pediatric injuries have remained one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality around the globe. Empowering pre-school teachers with first aid competencies have been identified as being of potential strategy against pediatric health burdens of problem. This study tested the effect of established pediatric first aid training on pre-school teachers’ knowledge, attitude, and intention to practice first aid management to pre-school children in Zanzibar. Methods: Uncontrolled quasi-experimental design with a quantitative research approach was conducted in Teachers’ Resource Centers among 120 preschool teachers at Pemba Island, Zanzibar. First aid training was facilitated based on the prescribed guidelines and standards of materials adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics and implemented. The intervention was preceded by a baseline assessment using structured questionnaires adopted from previous studies that served as the main data collection tool. Results: Participants’ mean age was 32 years ± 6.2 with 84.2% of the sample being females. Given the training, post-test findings demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.01) in participants’ first aid management scores with mean differences of M = 15.08 ± 5.34 (Knowledge), M = 26.99 ± 6.587 (Attitude), and (M = 4.76 ± 0.648 (Intentional practice). Conclusion: The established pediatric first aid training can enhance the spectrum of managing pediatric injuries among preschool teachers in Zanzibar. Ongoing public health services opportunities should be structured within teachers’ continuous learning against pediatric injuries in Zanzibar-Tanzania.