KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING FIRST AID MANAGEMENT OF EPISTAXIS AMONG MEDICAL SPECIALTIES STUDENTS IN AL-MADINAH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Nisreen Albouq*, Talal Aljeraisi, Sahal Arabi, Hanan Neyaz, Hashaal Alkhurassi and Bader Alim

ABSTRACT

Background: Epistaxis is bleeding from the nose or nasal cavity. It is one of the most common otorhinolaryngology emergency presenting to the accident and emergency departments worldwide. Objective : The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding first aid management of epistaxis among health care related students in order to promote adequate awareness of management of this common emergency in Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was undertaken among Health care students. Data were collected using an online questionnaire tool Including a total of 24 questions. Results: Data was collected from 201 Health care students at Al-Madinah using questionnaires which were filled electronically. Medical students were the most respondents (66.2%) while (33.8%) were other Health care specialties. Majority of the respondents were Interns 167(83.1%). Head trauma was one of the commonest presentation at emergency167(83.1%) followed by uncontrolled nose bleed 164 (81.6%). The commonest first aid measures when the patients get shocked were giving anti shock measures (62.2%) , Putting the patient in supine position with the head lowered down 55.2%) , Benching the nose (34.3%) and nasal packing (33.8%). Regarding the attitude toward the first aid management of epistaxis, the majority of the respondents (80.6%) demonstrated the correct position which is sitting position, holding the head forward and downward rather than backward and 73.6% gave the correct duration of pinching the nose. Only 44.3 % of respondents demonstrated the correct site for pinching the nose (soft part), While the majority 55.7% demonstrated the incorrect site (bony part). The main source of the respondents’ knowledge regarding first aid management of epistaxis was Medical Curriculum(38.3%) followed by the General Practitioner ( 23.9%). Conclusion : Health care students have adequate knowledge and attitude about the first aid measures of epistaxis to provide these measures to patients presenting with epistaxis.

Keywords: Epistaxis, first aid, health related specialties students.