Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the level of evidence-based first-aid information and management for epistaxis and factors associated with awareness levels among parents from the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling via social media networks. Parents aged ≥ 18 years and above, living in the Jazan region with at least one child, were included in the study. Data were gathered using a validated 12-item questionnaire on epistaxis knowledge. Awareness scores were classified as adequate (≥6/12 correct answers) or inadequate (≤5).
Results: Of the 508 participants captured in this study, the majority were females (65.0%), aged between 36 and 55 years (68.3%), and had multiple children (79.1%). The mean awareness score was 5.91 ± 1.85 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 5.75-6.07), with 59.6% of participants displaying adequate awareness. Structural knowledge gaps included incorrect positioning, with 33.9% knowing the correct upright/forward position. Additionally, inadequate duration of pressure application was noted, with a 5-minute preference stated by 60.6%. The multivariate analysis identified healthcare professionals as an information source odds ratios (OR= 2.89, p-value = 0.002), school education (OR = 2.12, p-value = 0.012), learning from the Internet (OR = 1.78, p-value = 0.021), and family conversations (OR = 1.54, p-value = 0.032), including heightened levels of confidence among those who were very confident (OR = 3.87, p-value = 0.002).
Conclusion: Although parents can identify emergencies that require medical attention, there are notable gaps in their understanding of basic first-aid procedures. The Jazan region requires structured educational interventions targeting parents, as evidenced by the prevalence of unofficial information sources and significant misunderstandings regarding the timing and placement of these assessments.

Key words: Epistaxis, adequate awareness, first-aid treatment, information source, Jazan.