Knowledge and Practice of First aid For Pediatrics Burn Injury and Its Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children Under 18 Years Old in Ambo Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2025.
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Date
2025
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Addis Ababa Univerity
Abstract
Background: Burns are skin injuries from heat, chemicals, or electricity, posing serious risks to children aged 1–5. They vary in severity and can cause shock, infection, and trauma. Quick first aid like using cold water helps, but many caregivers lack proper knowledge due to cultural and training gaps. Prevention and timely care are essential.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ambo town from January to February 2025. The study involved 374 participants selected through systematic random sampling from various kebeles. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which then cleaned, coded, and entered into EPI data version 4.7 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis. Results were presented using frequency tables, charts, and graphs. Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between independent versus dependent variables, with significance determined by an Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR), 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and p-values < 0.05.
Result: A total of 374 participants responded to this study with response rate of 100%. The mean age of study participants was 31.05 with a standard deviation of 9.845. This study determined that about 180 caregivers (48.1%) had a good level of knowledge and 197 caregivers (52.7%) showed good practices towards paediatrics burn first aid. The results showed that factors such as place of residence [AOR=3.582; 95%CI:(1.241,10.341), P=0.018], educational background [AOR=5.043; 95%CI:(1.496,16.998; P=0.009], the caregiver’s relationship to the child AOR=6.159; 95%CI:(1.667,22.757); P=0.006]. and prior exposure to burn first aid information AOR=2.010; 95%CI:(1.148,3.517); P=0.014] were significantly associated with high level of knowledge. Additionally, having personal experience with burn injuries was significantly associated with better practices in administering paediatric burn first aid [ AOR=2.206; 95%CI:(1.367,3.561); P=0.001].
Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed a clear gap in caregivers’ knowledge and practice regarding paediatric burn first aid, highlighting the need for action across all levels of the health system. Strengthening community awareness, integrating burn first aid into health programs, and providing targeted training particularly are crucial. National strategies should also incorporate burn first aid into health promotion efforts, school curricula, and maternal and child health services.
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Keywords
Burn, First aid, Burn first aid, Caregivers, Knowledge, Practice