Awareness of first aids in burn injuries : a survery in the population of East Coast and Cetral od Malaysia

• Main Author: Na, Seow Sul
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: R Medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.usm.my/54142/1/Seow%20Sul%20Na-24%20pages.pdf; http://eprints.usm.my/54142/

Introduction: Burns is a devastating public health problem which result in 10 million disability-adjusted life-years lost in low- and middle-income countries. Awareness is warranted in the community about the prevalence, incidents, impacts and complications of burns and hence the importance of its first aid and subsequent treatment. Adequacy of first aid for burn injuries reduces morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and awareness of first aid in burn injuries in 3 groups of Malaysian population and to developeanationwide education plan. Correct first aid practices is associated with faster healing, reduction in wound depth, and a decrease in the requirements of skin grafting Methodology:We have conducted a cross sectional study between January 2018 until December 2018 using a validated questionnaires which involved a total of 672 subjects which include 232 (34.5%) medical personnel, 221 (32.8%) public population and 219 (32.6%) secondary school students. Questionnaires include 4 catogories which include patient’s demography, previous history of burn injuries, burn prevention measures and also nine compulsory questions to assess the knowledge of respondents on first aid measures in burn injuries Results: There are 68.5% (n = 460) participants practising running burn wound under tap water, 14.1% (n = 95) chose not to run with thetap water and 17.4% (n = 117) are not sure. 511 of them responded on the duration of running tap water over the burn wound. Most of them (23.2%, n = 156) do water lavage for 5 to 10 minutes. Only 14.3% (n = 96) will do this for more than 20 minutes.Most commonly used traditional remedies applied were toothpaste (43.3%). Medical personnel has better knowledge in first aid of burn injury as compared to public and secondary school students group. Those who had history of burn injury and those who received information on first aid in burn injury has better knowledge in first aid practices. Conclusion: Medical personel and those who had received information on correct first aid practices have better knowledge in first aid practices. Therefore, it is justifiable to increase first aid courses and burn awareness campaigns to improve outcomes for the community as a whole.An education plan on first aid of burn injuries should be developed with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health, the Fire and Rescue department, as well as social media.