Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of First Aid Management among School Teachers

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of first aid management among school teachers of Karachi. Study design and setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 4 schools in Karachi, from April to September 2018. Methodology: School teachers of class 1st to class 8th were included and teachers of coaching centers and academies were excluded. Data was collected through non-probability, convenient sampling technique. Data were obtained using aselfadministered closed-ended questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Frequencies were calculated. Informed consent was obtained and anonymity of the subjects was maintained. Results: Total 162 participants aged 20-40 years participated in this study.Among the participants, 84% were females. Participants had inadequate knowledge of first aid and attitude towards first aid management was found to be positive and more than 90% of the respondents were ready to be trained for First Aid management. Data showed unsatisfactory results to manage common childhood injuries at school.Most of participants had poor knowledge regarding the management of epistaxis, choking, fainting and knocked out tooth. Conclusion: Although the overall attitude of the school teachers regarding first aid practices was favorable, levels of knowledge as well as practice of first aid found to be inadequate and many recognized the need for the introduction of the formal first aid training program at the school level