Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Burn Causes and First Aid Management in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia - Cross-Sectional Study

Sep 30, 2026

Burn injuries are a major global health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where they account for most burn-related deaths and disabilities. In Saudi Arabia, burns remain a frequent cause of morbidity linked to domestic hot-liquid, flame, and electrical accidents, with Jazan considered higher risk due to dense populations and traditional cooking. This cross-sectional online survey assessed residents’ awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding burn causes and first aid. Results showed poor knowledge in 56.4% and highlighted the need for community education.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

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Introduction

JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH Sayegh et al Original Paper Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Burn Causes and First Aid Management in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study | Anas Sayegh1 ; Alyazid Y Awaji2 ; Anas Fathuldeen3 ; Atheer M Alshammakhi4 ; Roaa M Alhazmi4 ; Razan F Ageeli4 ; Ghadi A Shamakhi4 | | --- | | 1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia 3Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia 4Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding Author:
Atheer M Alshammakhi Faculty of Medicine Jazan University Jazan, 87388
Saudi Arabia
Phone: 966 01772518365
[Email:](Email: AtheerAlshammakhi@gmail.com)[ ](Email: AtheerAlshammakhi@gmail.com)[AtheerAlshammakhi@gmail.com](Email: AtheerAlshammakhi@gmail.com)
Abstract | | Background: Burn injuries are a major global health problem, particularly in low-and middle-income countries, accounting for most burn-related deaths and disabilities. In Saudi Arabia, burns remain a frequent cause of morbidity, often resulting from domestic accidents involving hot liquids, open flames, or electricity. The Jazan region, with its dense population and reliance on traditional cooking methods, is considered at higher risk. Understanding public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding burns and first aid is essential for guiding preventive strategies and health education efforts.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, knowledge, and practices related to burn causes and first aid management among residents ofthe Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a validated Arabic questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire covered demographics, knowledge of burn causes and types, first aid management, and preventive practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: Out of 404 participants aged 18-60 years, 228 (56.4%) demonstrated poor knowledge and awareness regarding burn causes and first aid management. The internet was the most commonly reported source of information (171/236, 72.5%), followed by formal courses (76/236, 32.2%), paper leaflets (75/236, 31.8%), television (67/236, 28.4%), and daily newspapers (23/236, 9.7%) . Additionally, 215 (53.2%) participants had previously experienced burns, with hot water (136/215, 63.8%) and fire (105/215, 48.8%) cited as the most common causes. The most frequently affected sites were the hand (111/215, 51.6%), arm (85/215, 39.5%), and thigh (49/215, 22.8%) .
Conclusions: The study highlights limited awareness and improper first aid practices among the Jazan population. Targeted community-based educational programs are needed to enhance burn prevention and management knowledge.
(JMIR Form Res 2025;9:e80594) doi: 10.2196/80594 | KEYWORDS burns; first aid; knowledge; practice; population; Saudi Arabia Introduction Burn injuries are a major global cause of morbidity and mortality, posing a significant public health challenge [1] . The [https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e80594](https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e80594) XSL• FO RenderX World Health Organization states that burn injuries cause about 195,000 fatalities and disability annually, making them a major public health concern. Among individuals aged 5-29 years, fire is the 15th most common cause of death [2] . It is concerning JMIR Form Res 2025 | vol. 9 | e80594 | p. 1 (page number not for citation purposes) JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH that over 95% of fire-related burn deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) . People aged 70 years and older as well as children younger than 5 years have the highest mortality rates [3] . In addition to the high mortality rates, millions of people live with

FAQs

What was the aim of the study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia?

To assess residents’ awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding burn causes and first aid management in the Jazan region.

How was the data collected and analyzed?

A cross-sectional online survey used a validated Arabic questionnaire distributed through social media, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.

What did the study find about participants’ knowledge and information sources?

Among 404 participants, 56.4% showed poor knowledge and awareness. The internet was the most common information source (72.5%), followed by formal courses and paper leaflets.

Sep 30, 2026

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