Public Awareness Levels Regarding Cervical Spine Injury and the Suitable First Aid Response Among Adults in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

PURPOSE: Cervical spine injuries (CSIs) are a growing concern, leading to severe and permanent disabilities. Educating the public about these injuries and appropriate emergency responses is crucial to prevent irreversible damage, minimize disability, and save lives, especially with the rising number of trauma victims worldwide. Herein, we assessed the awareness of CSIs, trauma identification, and first-aid procedures among adults in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. SAMPLE AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 591 participants aged 18 or older from Makkah, Saudi Arabia, selected using an online questionnaire and conducted between January and March 2024. We evaluated participants' knowledge and awareness levels about CSIs, analyzing variables such as personal data and first aid training using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and Pearson chi-square tests. RESULTS: In total, 318 (53.8%) participants demonstrated good awareness of CSIs. Most (76.5%) identified road traffic accidents as a significant risk factor for CSIs. Additionally, 476 (80.5%) participants recognized that CSIs can involve spinal cord damage. Motor disability was acknowledged by 434 (73.9%) participants as a complication linked to CSIs, while 296 (50.1%) and 224 (37.9%) participants recognized sensory disability and respiratory problems as potential associated complications, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that 53.8% of participants had an acceptable awareness level of CSIs, with road traffic accidents identified as the primary cause of spinal injuries. It is crucial to prioritize regular and organized public education and enforce strict road safety measures, particularly among the young, to mitigate the extensive physical, social, emotional, and economic consequences of this issue.