The Level of School Teachers’ Knowledge About First-Aid Management and Control of Epistaxis in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BACKGROUND  Epistaxis is an acute episode of nasal bleeding commonly caused in children by traumatic injuries in a school setting. It is one of the common ear, nose, and throat emergencies, which should be managed with first-aid measures. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been conducted among school teachers in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia regarding this information. This study thus aimed to assess levels of knowledge about first-aid management and control of epistaxis among school teachers in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS  A cross-sectional study using a validated online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms. Information was collected regarding sociodemographic characteristics, and eight items assessed participants' knowledge about epistaxis and its management. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess the factors associated with good levels of knowledge. RESULTS  The study had a total of 1,152 participants, of which 69.7% were female. The mean of knowledge was 3.29 (SD=1.39, range: 0-7). Only 19.4% of participants had a good level of knowledge. In multivariate analysis, females and those who had received information on first aid to stop nose-bleeds were significantly associated with good knowledge levels (adjusted odds ratio {AOR}: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.18-2.51, p=0.005; and AOR: 3.38, 95% CI: 2.47-4.64, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION  Less than one-quarter of participants had good knowledge levels. Health education sessions for teachers are highly recommended and should specifically target male teachers.