Abstract

Background: Snakebite envenomation remains an important public health issue in many regions, including Saudi Arabia, where both venomous and non-venomous species are found. Despite its clinical importance, limited data exist on public awareness and attitudes toward snakebite management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and first-aid practices related to snakebite management among residents of Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 486 participants using a structured online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of snakebite first aid, attitudes toward snakes, and fear levels. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results: Most respondents were female (70.4%) and primarily aged 20–30 years (64.7%). While the majority recognized that first aid is necessary (94.7%) and that a snakebite victim should be taken to the hospital immediately (94.2%), misconceptions persisted, with 47.4% believing in cutting or sucking the bite. Overall, 40.9% demonstrated high knowledge, 39.9% had moderate knowledge, and 19.1% showed low knowledge. Training significantly improved both knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.001). Males exhibited more positive attitudes (mean = 3.46 ± 1.70) and significantly lower fear (OR = 0.105, p < 0.001) compared to females. A strong positive relationship was observed between knowledge and attitude (R² = 0. 8967).
Conclusion: Although general awareness regarding snakebite management was satisfactory, misconceptions and fear remain prevalent. Formal first-aid training significantly enhances both knowledge and confidence. Public health programs should prioritize community-based education to dispel myths, reduce fear, and promote correct snakebite first-aid practices in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Snakebite, first Aid, envenomation, attitudes.