Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding First Aid against Domestic Injuries in Mothers of Children less than 5 Years of Age Attending Fauji Foundation Hospital Islamabad

Abstract

Background: The objective is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding first aid towards home related injuries among mothers of children less than 5 years of age at tertiary care hospital of Islamabad.

Methods: A questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted in Fauji Foundation Hospital Islamabad. 400 participants were selected using convenience sampling the mother of children under 5 years of age were included and mother of children with any major co morbidity, congenital abnormalities and who didn’t give consent were excluded from the study. A pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection after obtaining permission from Institutional Ethical Committee. Statistical analysis was carried using SPSS version 20. Frequencies and percentages were computed, descriptive statistical analysis was done. Chi- Square was applied for association between socio demographic variables and knowledge of mothers regarding first aid.

Results: About 44% of the mothers and 63% children fall in age group of 31 and 2-5 years respectively. Half of the mothers (48%) are below intermediate level of education. About 34% of the respondents stated bleeding as most urgent and important injury requiring first aid. Regarding attitudes, 50% of the mothers strongly agree towards necessity of first aid and lack of awareness about dealing with domestic injuries. Sixty-five (65%) of the mothers had given first aid to their child. About 33%, 75%, 44% and 39% of the mothers have faced a child with difficulty in breathing; bleeding, burning and insect/sibling bite respectively. Age of mother (p=0.041), education of mother (p=0.001) and total no of children (p=0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of first aid.

Conclusion: Although home accidents are a common problem, mother’s knowledge regarding home accidents was deficient although majority of the respondents have positive attitude.