Cross sectional study of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding prevention and first aidDetails of burn injuries among rural caregivers in field practice area of tertiary health care hospital in Odisha

Abstract

 This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning burn injury prevention and rst aid among rural caregivers in Odisha, India. Conducted within the eld practice area of a tertiary healthcare hospital, the study utilized structured questionnaires to survey a representative sample of caregivers. The ndings revealed signicant gaps in knowledge regarding burn injury prevention and rst aid measures among rural caregivers. Despite positive attitudes towards burn injury management, actual practices often deviated from recommended guidelines. For instance, while 39.1% of respondents believed everyone needed to know how to treat burns, a majority (49.6%) would take a minor burn injury to a herbalist rather than a health facility. Furthermore, traditional remedies such as toothpaste and oil were commonly used as rst aid treatments despite their lack of scientic benet.The study also highlighted that 78.9% of respondents did not apply cold water to burns, which is a widely recommended rst-aid measure. Socio-demographic factors such as age, education level, and income were signicantly associated with the knowledge and practices related to burn rst aid. The primary sources of information about burn rst aid were family, friends, and colleagues, rather than healthcare professionals or educational programs.The study concludes that there is an urgent need for targeted educational interventions and community-based programs to enhance awareness and skills in burn injury prevention and rst aid among rural caregivers in Odisha. By addressing these knowledge gaps and promoting accurate rst aid practices, the incidence of complications from burn injuries can be reduced, thereby improving health outcomes for affected individuals. The ndings underscore the necessity for consistent guidelines and the dissemination of burn rst aid education through accessible and culturally appropriate channels to ensure widespread community engagement and compliance.