Teachers’ awareness regarding first-aid management and control of epistaxis inside schools in Taif region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Epistaxis is one of the commonest ENT emergencies worldwide and awareness of the first aid is important especially among teachers inside school as students easily get injured during school activities. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness regarding first-aid management and control of epistaxis among teachers inside schools in Taif region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Based on a review of the literature on awareness regarding first-aid management and control of epistaxis a cross sectional study was conducted with an online survey which was distributed to all schoolteachers in Taif city. Responders were selected randomly and the predesigned questionnaire was sent to them. Results: The study revealed that teachers have fair knowledge about epistaxis control. Most of them were aware of changing the head position; almost (80.1%) of the teachers will try to stop bleeding by applying pressure on the nose and about one third of them will do it on the lower part of the nose, while 17% of the teachers reported that they will use other methods where most of them reported that they will seek health care or call for emergency assistance. Conclusion: Sixty-three percent of the teachers have fair knowledge regarding the control of epistaxis, especially those who have had previous experience with it. However, more attention should be paid to improve the awareness regarding epistaxis management in the area through health training and educational sessions. Key words: Teachers, awareness, first-aid, epistaxis, schools, Taif