Assessment of public knowledge about burns and first aid

Abstract

Introduction: A burn is defined as damage to the skin as well as deeper structures, resulting from contact with an energy source. The aim of the study was to assess society’s knowledge about burns and first aid. Material and methods: Five hundred people took part in the study. It was conducted in the form of an online survey posted on social media. The survey questionnaire included 17 questions. Results: Women accounted for 55% of the study group ( n = 275). The average age of the respondents was 36.1 years. The vast majority lived in the city. Every third respondent had higher education. The largest group consisted of respondents with an average level of knowledge about burns (41.6%). Every fifth respondent presented little or no knowledge in the scope of dealing with burns. The average point value of the level of knowledge about burns was 7.75 ±1.94 points (minimum 0.2 points, maximum 10.5 points). It was observed that the following had a significant impact on the knowledge of the respondents ( p < 0.05): their education, a connection with the practice of the medical profession, a burn they had suffered in the past, and the declaration of readiness to provide first aid. Conclusions: The factors determining knowledge about burns, and especially about proper first aid, include the following: higher education, practicing medicine, own experience in the field of burn injury, and readiness to provide first aid.