An observational study of first aid knowledge and practice for burn injury in rural Indonesia

INTRODUCTION: Burn injuries in rural communities necessitate an accurate assessment of burn size and severity to decide if they may be treated in a community hospital or require care at a burn center. Proper treatment of burns is crucial as they can result in death or disability with long-lasting effects. In order to reduce disability and prevent deaths, it is crucial to know and practice correct first aid methods for treating burns in rural populations. This study sought to survey knowledge and practice of first aid in burn-related injuries amongst the rural population in Indonesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study conducted was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It involved 151 respondents residing in a rural area of Eastern Indonesia. A self-administered questionnaire assessed their knowledge and practice of first aid for burn-related injuries. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 151 respondents surveyed, 76.2% were unfamiliar with the recommended burn-related injury first-aid practices. Half of the respondents (59.4%) indicated using toothpaste as their first-aid treatment for burn-related injuries. CONCLUSIONS: This current study showed insufficient knowledge and practice of first aid in burn-related injuries amongst the rural population in Eastern Indonesia.