Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices regarding eye injury first aid among adults in Jazan and to identify factors associated with appropriate behavior.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 542 adults in Jazan using a structured questionnaire. Knowledge and practice scores were calculated and categorized into poor, moderate, and good levels.
Results: The majority of participants demonstrated poor knowledge (60.5%), with only 26.0% showing good knowledge. While many recognized the need for medical care (60.0%), only 15.5% identified immediate irrigation after general injuries, and 35.2% identified immediate irrigation after chemical injuries. Practice was also suboptimal, with only 9.0% demonstrating good practice, despite 80.1% recognizing the seriousness of chemical injuries. Younger age was associated with better knowledge (aOR = 0.95, p-value = 0.004), while higher education predicted better practice (aOR = 4.43, p-value = 0.005). A weak correlation was observed between knowledge and practice (r = 0.213), whereas a strong correlation existed between practice and early management awareness (r = 0.816) (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study showed that significant gaps existed between knowledge and practice of eye injury first aid in Jazan. Although awareness of severity was present, appropriate actions for chemical injuries were lacking. Targeted educational interventions focusing on practical skills and early management are essential to improve outcomes and reduce preventable visual impairment.

Key words: Eye injury, first aid, knowledge, prevention, practice, early management, adults, Jazan, Saudi Arabia