Choking in children: Investigating parental readiness and reaction in Saudi Arabia

A BSTRACT Background: One of the most serious medical conditions in children is choking. It is a critical pediatric emergency caused by foreign objects obstructing the airway, posing a serious threat to children’s lives and representing a significant public health concern. Parental readiness and proper reaction are crucial to solving choking incidents in children. Objective: To investigate parental readiness and reaction toward choking in children in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia with a sample of 530 participants. The study employed an online survey to gather data from parents of children aged 0–6 years. The survey aimed to evaluate various factors, including knowledge and awareness regarding choking in children, parental practices, readiness, and reactions toward choking in children. Results: Among 530 participants, over half (57.9%) had a good overall knowledge level about choking in children. The majority reported that children aged 1–5 years (73.8%) are most at risk for choking. In identifying choking hazards, parents showed high awareness, with 82.8% correctly identifying small pieces as dangerous. When asked about their immediate response to a choking incident, 70.2% reported they would attempt appropriate first aid measures. Conclusion: While most parents showed a basic understanding of choking risks, such as the dangers posed by small objects and the importance of supervision during eating, there remain notable gaps that could compromise child safety. Health campaigns teaching first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for parents are essential to help parents treat choking conditions in children and potentially save lives.